The proposal aims to improve the conditions
under which EU businesses can compete for public contracts in third countries
by introducing a reciprocity condition limiting access to internal EU public
procurement markets for goods and services from countries whose public markets
are not open to EU businesses. It sets up procedures supporting negotiations on
access of EU goods and services to the public procurement markets of third
countries.
In its own response to the proposal
submitted on 24 July 2012, ICC expressed concern that some sections of the
proposal could lead to limited access to markets and – given ICC’s mandate to
promote open markets and fight all forms of protectionism – could not be
supported by the world business organization.
ICC’s seminar on the subject, was held in
line with ICC aims to promote discussions and foster further evaluations of the
potential consequences of the proposal made on 21 March 2012.
“ICC again needs to live up to its role as
the voice of international business in this complex market access issue, as it
is ideally positioned to do so,” said Lauri Railas, Co-Chair of the ICC Task
Force on Public Procurement..
Taking place on 7 November 2012 at ICC headquarters
in Paris, the seminar successfully brought together high level representatives from
the EU institutions, international and industry organizations, national
governments, academia, business and legal professionals from the European Union
and beyond. The diversity of speakers contributed to the success of the event
which saw intense discussion and a variety of viewpoints expressed.
The ICC Task Force on Public Procurement also
expressed its intent to remain attentive and continue to be active on the issue
following the seminar.
Established in 2005, the ICC Task Force on
Public Procurement gathers together business experts on public procurement from
commercial organizations, companies, law firms and consultancies interested in
promoting the ICC objectives in the field of public procurement.
For more information visit the ICC Commission on Commercial Law and Practice.