Strengthening the Global Trading System (GTS)​ ​ ​

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) is undertaking Early Market Engagement (EME) in advance of a potential future procurement opportunity for Strengthening the Global Trading System (GTS). The GTS contract is expected to form part of the Trade Centre of Expertise (Trade CoE), which sits within FCDO's wider Growth Community of Expertise (Growth CoE).

The Trade CoE provides technical assistance to help developing countries participate more effectively in international trade and support inclusive, sustainable and export-led economic growth. The proposed GTS support offer will focus on strengthening the capacity of developing countries, including Least Developed Countries (LDCs), to engage in, influence and benefit from the multilateral trading system, particularly through the World Trade Organization (WTO).

Indicative areas of support may include: - Technical assistance and advisory services to strengthen developing country participation in international trade negotiations and trade related processes. - Capacity building and institutional support to improve engagement with the WTO and other relevant multilateral and regional trade bodies. - Policy, legal and technical assistance to support the implementation of, and access to benefits from, international trade agreements. - Research, analysis and knowledge sharing to strengthen trade policy development and decision making. FCDO welcomes engagement from organisations with relevant expertise in trade and development, including SMEs and consortia.

Suppliers interested in this opportunity, whether as a potential Prime Contractor or subcontractor, are invited to attend (virtually) an Early Market Engagement Event on Thursday 10 September at 10:00am (UK time). The session will provide further information on the emerging requirement and offer suppliers an opportunity to contribute views that will help inform FCDO's approach.

Please note that the information provided at this stage is indicative only and does not constitute a commitment to procure. The final scope, requirements and contractual arrangements will be confirmed in any future Tender Notice.

The route to market has not yet been determined. Feedback received through FCDO's preliminary market engagement activities will be used to help shape the procurement strategy and inform decisions on the most appropriate delivery model. Please follow this link for registration details: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=...