Public procurement

Committee:
Railways
status:
Some progress
Published:
The public procurement market continues to be an important market and with the improved access thanks to the EU-Japan EPA, which resulted in the removal of the Operational Safety Clause. The EBC believes that the Central Government has a role to play to inform and support regional and local government on how to set up procurement procedures that are in line with the WTO GPA (World Trade Organization Government Procurement Agreement) and the EPA.

Recommendations

  • The Government of Japan should ensure that, when planning renewal of systems with new technologies such as CBTC (Communication-Based Train Control) as well as planning new lines or line extensions, local governments and entities covered by the WTO GPA abide by or use the GPA as guidance to set up a proper public procurement scheme.
  • The Japanese Government should promote off-the-shelf solutions.
  • There should be better clarity regarding incorporated operators that are still fully or partially owned by regional or local Governments.