GeM to open doors for global bidders

The government's public procurement arm Government e-Market (GeM) on Friday said it will add a global tender enquiry feature in its portal this year, which would help increase competition in the bidding process.

The addition of this functionality is important as India is gradually opening its public procurement sector under its free trade agreements (FTA). It has done so in its trade pacts with the UAE and the UK, to facilitate procurement from international vendors, enabling ministries and departments to access a wider range of goods and services. "We are adding the global tender enquiry feature... (as) a lot of trade talks are happening, so this functionality is relevant," said GeM CEO Mihir Kumar.

GeM is a portal for online purchases of goods and services by all central government ministries and departments. In FY25, it recorded transactions worth ₹5.4 lakh crore in gross merchandise value (GMV).


Kumar also said the portal will reach out to more states for its greater adoption.