International Trade in Services.pdf - DSpace at Khazar University

Building Empires Overseas 211
Which Issues Warrant the Attention
of Stakeholders
Our discussion touches on a number of issues that merit the attention of policy
makers as they advance the trade-integration agenda for construction services.
Table 6.6 presents a checklist of questions that might help structure the reflections
and ensure a comprehensive approach to reform.
Table 6.6. A Checklist of Questions on Trade-Related Aspects of Construction
Service Reform
Streamlining the administration of construction permits
1. How does the local application process for construction permits compare with the
process in other countries in terms of the number of administrative steps involved, the
average processing time for applications, and associated fees and costs
2. Are there significant differences in administrative performance across different regions
within the country or across different types of contractors If so, why
3. Are there unnecessary steps in the process that can be shortened or eliminated Are
there bottlenecks that can be addressed Can the number of required documents and
signatures be reduced by centralizing the application process (for example, by
providing a one-stop shop or a single window environment)
4. Is the decision-making process transparent, and does it involve consultation with other
interested parties If not, what can be done to increase transparency and predictability
in the process
5. Are there prohibitively high fees or taxes involved in the application process Can the
application process be made less expensive, while still taking into account safety,
health, zoning, and other important considerations
6. Is there any government body to which a decision can be appealed
Ensuring a fair and transparent government procurement process
1. What are the minimum criteria that bidding companies must fulfill in terms of
solvency, proven expertise, and in-house capacity Are the criteria in line with regional
or international good practices or are they more or less stringent
2. Does government procurement of infrastructure projects allow for subcontracting to
stimulate backward links to local small and medium-size enterprises
3. Are government contracts advertised in easily accessible media or gazettes Do
government agencies allow for sufficient time in the advertisement process
4. Are winning bids announced to the public
5. Is there any dispute resolution body available to resolve issues in the procurement
process
6. Do local authorities offer preference margins to local contractors If so, what are the
margins, and does this help raise participation by local contractors If local contractors
already dominate the market, do these preference margins squeeze out prospective
foreign competitors
7. Do government entities tend to pay their contractors according to agreed deadlines
If not, what can be done to improve timely payments to contractors
(Table continues on the following pages.)