Twelfth annual meeting of the Working Group on Trade and Competition UNCTAD-SELA and First Latin American and Caribbean Competition Forum

Twelfth Annual Meeting of the Working Group on Trade and Competition UNCTAD-SELA

In the dynamic and complex context of public procurement in Latin America and the Caribbean, artificial intelligence (AI) emerges as a transformative tool capable of optimizing efficiency, transparency, and accountability. This tool is crucial for the economic and social development of the region. Moreover, competition, as a fundamental principle of open and free markets, plays a vital role in promoting efficiency and the optimal allocation of resources in public procurement

However, the adoption of AI in public procurement also presents challenges and risks that must be carefully considered, such as lack of transparency in algorithms, algorithmic discrimination, dependence on specific vendors, and concentration of power. These issues require thorough attention and analysis.

This 12th Annual Meeting of the Working Group on Trade and Competition will discuss the challenges and explore the opportunities AI presents in the context of public procurement in the region and shed light on how challenges related to lack of competition, opacity in procedures, and corruption can be faced.

Objectives: 
•  Enhance understanding of the impact of AI on public procurement and competition in Latin American and the Caribbean.
•  Identify the opportunities and challenges AI presents in promoting competition, efficiency, and transparency in public procurement in Latin American and the Caribbean.
•  Design strategies and make relevant recommendations for the responsible and effective implementation of AI in public procurement in Latin American and the Caribbean, considering its impact on competition and transparency.

First Latin American and Caribbean Competition Forum

The public Forum will bring together professionals, academics and experts to share their experiences and expertise in the practice of competition law and to make suggestions and contributions to improve competition law regulation and enforcement.

The Forum is structured around three main themes that have been consulted with leading experts in the field of competition, namely: disclosure, compensation for damages, and confidentiality and professional secrecy. These topics will be addressed by an expert, who will also present an academic paper that will then be commented on by other experts on the panel.