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Public Procurement in Hong Kong 

Public procurement in Hong Kong represents one of the most advanced, transparent, and internationally aligned public procurement systems in Asia. As a high-income, globally connected Special Administrative Region (SAR), Hong Kong operates a centralised, rules-based procurement framework designed to ensure value for money, open competition, and strict fiscal discipline.

Public procurement plays a critical role in supporting government operations, infrastructure delivery, public utilities, healthcare, education, and environmental services. The system is characterised by strong central purchasing arrangements, standardised procedures, and increasing use of electronic procurement platforms.

For domestic suppliers and international firms, government tenders in Hong Kong SAR provide access to a stable, predictable, and WTO-compliant procurement market with clear procedures and high levels of administrative capacity.

Country & Economic Overview

Institutional & Governance Framework

Hong Kong SAR operates a highly centralised public procurement model, with policy oversight and operational purchasing functions clearly separated and professionally managed.

• Public Procurement Authority (PPA): Government Logistics Department (GLD)
• Central Purchasing Body (CPB): Government Logistics Department (GLD)
• Supervising Authority: The Treasury Branch and Bureau of the Government of the Hong Kong SAR
• Coverage: Government-wide (regional scope within the SAR)

The GLD acts as the primary central purchasing body for common-use goods and services, while works procurement is typically handled by specialized departments under the same regulatory framework.

Legal & Regulatory Framework

Public procurement in Hong Kong SAR is governed by administrative regulations and financial rules rather than a single consolidated procurement law. These rules are fully aligned with international best practices and WTO obligations.

• Core Regulatory Instruments:
  • Stores and Procurement Regulations (SPR)
  • Financial Circulars and Treasury Instructions
  • Guide to Government Procurement
• Official Sources:
  • https://www.fstb.gov.hk/tb/en/docs/espr_chapter3.pdf
  • https://www.fstb.gov.hk/en/treasury/gov_procurement/guide-to-procurement.htm

Procurement Principles & Award Criteria

The procurement system emphasises open and fair competition, transparency, proportionality, and accountability. Award decisions are based on predefined criteria aligned with value-for-money principles.

Thresholds, Procedures & Time Limits

• Standard Tender Threshold: HKD 50,000
• Bid Validity: Defined under Stores and Procurement Regulations
• Standstill Period: Not explicitly prescribed
• Complaint Resolution: Administrative review mechanisms apply

E-Procurement System

Hong Kong SAR operates a centralised electronic procurement platform supporting end-to-end procurement processes for government departments.

• System Name: e-Procurement Programme
• Official Portal: https://www1.eprocurement.gov.hk/ePS_External_Portal/
• Key Functionalities:
  • ePublishing and tender notifications
  • eTendering and eQuotations
  • ePurchasing / Procure-to-Pay (P2P)
• Supported Languages: Chinese, English
• Tender Documents Downloadable: Not publicly specified

International Alignment & Market Access

Hong Kong SAR is a signatory to the WTO Agreement on Government Procurement (GPA), ensuring non-discriminatory access for international suppliers and adherence to global procurement standards.

• International Memberships:
  • World Trade Organization (WTO)
  • International Monetary Fund (IMF)
  • Asian Development Bank (ADB)

Green & Sustainable Public Procurement

Hong Kong SAR has an established and mandatory green public procurement framework integrated into government purchasing practices.

• Green Procurement Strategy: Yes
• Mandatory Green Practices: Yes
• Lead Authority: Environment and Ecology Bureau
• Priority Sectors:
  • Energy and extractives
  • Water, sanitation, and waste management
• Official Green Procurement Portal:
  • https://www.eeb.gov.hk/en/susdev/green_procure/green_procure.html

Key Characteristics & Market Considerations

• Centralized purchasing through a professional CPB (GLD)
• Strong alignment with WTO and international best practices
• High transparency and administrative capacity
• Mandatory green procurement practices
• Stable and predictable procurement environment for suppliers

In summary, public procurement in Hong Kong is defined by centralised governance, rigorous administrative controls, strong international alignment, and advanced sustainability integration. The procurement market offers high-value opportunities for qualified domestic and international suppliers within a transparent and well-regulated system.