The revision of the Agreement on Government Procurement (GPA), a World Trade Organization (WTO) treaty which determines rules of international competition for government procurement for goods and services, is expected to go into effect soon. The new agreement contains addition of governmental agencies subject to the rules and shortening of the electronic bidding process.

WTO estimates increase of contracts which will become open to foreign bidders at some $80 billion. The Japanese government expects more electronic bidding to be applied at domestic local governments and agencies, because the agreement allows them to shorten the bidding procedure and reduces their administrative work.

After the revision was adopted in March 2012, the member countries are in the process of law amendment which is required for effectuation. Japanese government is undertaking amendment of related laws since the new agreement was approved by the Diet last year. (2014/01/17)