Global procurement deal not far off

An international deal is nearing between 42 nations that would open up government contracting to more transparency and foreign competition and unlock tens of billions of dollars in new opportunities, a World Trade Organisation (WTO) diplomat said recently.

Nicholas Niggli, a Swiss diplomat to the WTO who chairs its government procurement committee, said 42 nations, including the United States, the European Union, Canada and Japan, are overcoming most hurdles toward an agreement in mid-December when trade ministers gather in Geneva.

Nations still yet to join include China, Jordan and the Ukraine. China’s participation is a major attraction to other nations hoping to crack that enormous emerging market.

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