Internal Market
Commissioner Michel Barnier, who was conducting these negotiations, declared
today in Geneva :
"Today, we have
agreed on a significant opening of public procurement markets. Despite the
temptations of protectionism during these times of global crisis, we have broken
down barriers, not increased them. This will lead to more trade and benefit all
economies, including Europe 's.
We've won through on an important point. During the negotiations,
the EU rightly insisted on a fairer global level playing field – keeping its
markets open and ready to open them further, but only if other Parties did the
same. In this spirit of mutual benefit and reciprocity, we have achieved good
results for Europe 's businesses and citizens. The new public procurement
opportunities on offer for companies will be worth 100 billion
Euros.
On behalf of the
European Union, I express my thanks and would like to acknowledge the excellent
cooperation with all GPA members."
EU Trade
Commissioner Karel De Gucht
said:
"Securing an international procurement deal during
the WTO Ministerial meeting shows that the global trading family can and does
deliver results to help boost our economies at this critical time. Today's deal
is hard evidence of the relevance of the WTO and the global framework for trade.
We wrapped up a decade of discussions and constructive engagement with all our
GPA partners. Moreover, today's positive talks with our Japanese partners bode
well for future specific trade discussions with
us."
