Government Procurement in the WTO

Code

LAWW4106

School

Law

Level

4

Credits

15

Semesters

Spring UK

Summary

This module examines the current rules regulating government procurement under the Agreements of the World Trade Organisation, covering both the multilateral agreements (in particular GATT and GATS) and the plurilateral Agreement on Government Procurement. This includes the current coverage of the GPA rules; the approach to GPA negotiations; the obligations for covered procurement under the GPA in relation to tendering; the system of enforcement (inter-governmental enforcement and supplier challenge systems); and the impact of the GPA on use of procurement promote social objectives and sustainable development. The module also explores the current initiatives for expanding the multilateral rules on procurement, notably the discussions relating to a new Transparency Agreement. The module will explore the relevant issues from the perspective of all types of countries, including developing countries and transition economies/countries with a large state sector.

Target Students

Only available to students on U7PPBPLP LLM Public Procurement Law and Policy, U7PPBPLPC PGCert Public Procurement Law and Policy, OR U7PPBPLPD PGDip Public Procurement Law and Policy

Classes

Students are provided with materials for self-directed learning. Optional in-person teaching sessions take place partway through the relevant semester.

Assessment

• 100% Coursework: 5 pages

Assessed by end of spring semester

Educational Aims

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and understanding of the major legal and policy issues affecting procurement under the WTO system and an appreciation of the implications of the current WTO rules for procurement practice and for trade negotiations.

Conveners

• Professor Peter Trepte