Switzerland’s FTAs set out the principles and processes of public procurement and contain obligations regarding access to the parties’ public procurement markets. In particular, they improve transparency and legal security. Building on the principles of reciprocity and non-discrimination, they aim to improve SMEs’ export opportunities and competitiveness and counter the risk of potential discrimination against Swiss providers in favour of those from other trade partners. The provisions on public procurement are based on the WTO’s 2012 Agreement on Government Procurement (GPA).
FAQs on public procurement
How do these provisions add value?
The provisions on public procurement extend the scope of the recognised international rules to partners that are not members of the GPA. The Parties pursue the objective of strengthening international governance of public procurement and promoting reciprocal access to markets for goods and services. These provisions grant Swiss suppliers equal access to public procurement markets with their competitors and thus reduce or eliminate potential discrimination in this area. The improvement of public procurement systems contributes to the economic objective of an economical use of public funds.
Last modification 09.09.2020
