Justification
In the dynamic and complex context of public procurement in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), artificial intelligence (AI) emerges as a tool with transformative potential, capable of optimising efficiency, transparency and accountability in this crucial area for the economic and social development of the region. In turn, competition, as a fundamental principle of free and open markets, plays an essential role in promoting efficiency and the optimal allocation of resources in public procurement.
However, the adoption of AI in public procurement also poses challenges and risks that need to be carefully considered. Lack of transparency in algorithms, algorithmic discrimination, dependence on specific suppliers and concentration of power are some of the aspects that require attention and in-depth analysis.
In this context, this XII Annual Meeting of the Working Group on Trade and Competition (WGTC), focused on "Artificial intelligence (AI) and public procurement in LAC, a regional dialogue to strengthen competition," is intended as a space for meeting and collaboration among competition authorities, public procurement entities and AI experts to address the challenges and opportunities that AI offers in the context of public procurement in the region.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming various sectors of the economy, and public procurement is no exception. In Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), public procurement represents a significant share of public spending and plays a crucial role in promoting economic and social development. However, public procurement processes often face challenges related to lack of competition, procedural opacity and corruption.
It is essential to know the potential of AI to strengthen competition and transparency in public procurement in LAC. AI can help improve efficiency in procurement processes, promote greater equality of opportunity for suppliers and ensure a more efficient allocation of public resources.
Competition agencies in LAC play a vital role in this dialogue, as they are in charge of promoting and guaranteeing free competition in the markets. These agencies are responsible for investigating and sanctioning anti-competitive practices, as well as promoting policies and regulations that foster fair competition and ensure the protection of the public interest. In the specific context of public procurement, the fundamental role of competition agencies is to ensure that tendering processes are equally competitive and transparent for participating companies.
Objectives
- Contribute to strengthening the understanding of the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on public procurement and competition in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC).
- Identify the opportunities and challenges posed by AI to promote competition, efficiency and transparency in public procurement in LAC.
- Design strategies and make relevant recommendations for the responsible and effective implementation of AI in public procurement in LAC, considering its impact on competition and transparency.
Participants
The meeting is aimed at focal points in the area of competition of the Member States of SELA and international and regional organisations, as well as experts in the field and special guests
Logistical aspects
Language: Spanish (with simultaneous interpretation into English)
Country: Tegucigalpa, Honduras
Venue: Clarion Hotel Real Tegucigalpa. Madrid Room, Clarion Hotel Real Tegucigalpa
Agenda
| Day 1: Understanding the dynamics of public procurement, competition and artificial intelligence (open to the public) |
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08:30 – 09:30 |
Opening of the XII Meeting of the Working Group on Trade and Competition in Latin America and the Caribbean (WGTC).
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| 09:30 – 10:10 20 min each |
Initial conference: interaction of competition policy in public procurement: international best practices
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| 10:10 – 10:20 | First break |
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| XII Meeting of the Working Group on Trade and Competition in Latin America and the Caribbean. Artificial intelligence (AI) and public procurement in LAC, a regional dialogue to strengthen competition |
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| 10:20 – 10:30 |
Comercio y Competencia - Fintech en la región de Latinoamérica y el Caribe (Publication in the field of competition - only Spanish)
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10:30 – 12:10 |
Session 1. Innovating public procurement: challenges, regulations and the digital revolution. Moderator/Panellist: Armando Guío. Executive Director in Global Network of Internet & Society Centers. Affiliate in Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society at Harvard University.
Purpose of the session: To provide an overview of artificial intelligence (AI) and its application in public procurement. The possibilities and benefits that AI can offer in the management of procurement processes, such as task automation, data analysis and more informed decision making, will be analysed. In addition, the ethical and privacy challenges associated with the use of AI in this field will be discussed. |
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| 12:10 – 12:30 | Questions and comments |
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| 12:30 – 02:00 | Lunch |
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02:00 – 03:40 |
Session 2. Overview of artificial intelligence (AI) and its applications in public procurement. Benefits and challenges. Moderator: Sergio Coello. Secretary of State in the Office of Transparency and Fight Against Corruption in Honduras.
Purpose of the session: To answer the following question: How are emerging technologies and modern methodologies changing the public procurement landscape towards more efficient and transparent processes? The role of equity in ensuring that access to procurement opportunities is fair and inclusive for all bidders will be discussed. It will also emphasize the importance of promoting healthy competition, which is not only essential to obtain value for public money but also to stimulate innovation and quality |
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| 03:40 – 03:50 | Questions and comments |
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| 03:50 – 04:00 | Second break |
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04:00 – 05:20 |
Session 3. Regulation of AI in public procurement: promoting fair competition and transparency. Moderator/Panellist: Alexandre Ditzel Faraco. Lawyer specialized in competition.
Purpose of the session: To answer the following question: How to regulate the use of artificial intelligence in the context of public procurement and contracting, with the aim of promoting fair competition and ensuring transparency in such processes? |
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| 05:20 – 05:30 | Questions and comments |
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| 05:30 – 05:40 | Official photo |
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| Day 2: Integrating artificial intelligence in public procurement (closed event) |
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08:30 – 10:10 |
Session 4. Competition policy in public procurement: the fight against bid rigging and corruption. Moderator: Jorge Borjas. Economic Director of the CDPC
Purpose of the session: Given the crucial importance of the fight against collusive practices and corruption to ensure a level playing field and promote efficiency in procurement processes, we will explore various aspects, such as the prevention of bid rigging, the promotion of the participation of small and medium-sized enterprises, the objective evaluation of bids and the optimization of public resources. The aim is to provide an overview and guidance in order to understand the challenges and opportunities related to this policy. |
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| 10:10 – 10:20 | Questions and comments |
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| 10:20 – 10:30 | First break |
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10:30 – 12:10 |
Session 5. The use of AI in competition policy: new tools at the disposal of competition authorities.
Purpose of the session: A comprehensive overview of developments in competition agencies and AI will be provided, presenting case studies, research and relevant discussions to better understand the advances and challenges in these areas and how they impact on general society. |
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| 12:10 – 12:30 | Questions and comments |
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| 12:30 – 02:00 | Lunch |
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02:00 – 03:30 |
Session 6. Case studies provided by the Member States, examples of successful implementation of competition policy in public procurement.
Purpose of the session:To present successful case studies provided by the Member States that demonstrate the effective application of competition policy in public procurement. These cases go beyond the mere description of problems and resolutions, as they highlight key elements and replicable best practices. During the session, speakers will share recommendations and conclusions based on these cases, providing practical tools to promote fair and transparent competition in public procurement. Note: competition authorities will be invited to join this working session as panellists. |
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| 03:30 – 03:10 | Questions and comments |
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03:40 – 04:10 |
Session 7: Panel discussion: challenges and opportunities in the application of competition policy in public procurement processes. Purpose of the session: To offer participants the opportunity to exchange ideas and perspectives constructively in an atmosphere of open and respectful dialogue. They will be encouraged to share concrete examples of challenges faced in the application of competition policy in public procurement, as well as to outline identified opportunities to improve these processes. |
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| 04:10 – 04:40 |
Proposed theme and venue for the XIII Meeting of the WGTC |
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04:40 – 05:00 |
Closing of the Forum of the Working Group on Trade and Competition in Latin America and the Caribbean (WGTC).
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(*) To be confirmed
