Discusses the legal requirements for selling to the host government, including whether the government has agreed to abide by the WTO Government Procurement Agreement or is a party to a government procurement chapter in a U.S. FTA. Specifies areas where there are opportunities.
Last Published: 7/29/2019

Republic of Cyprus:
 

For most projects or large-scale purchases, the ROC is required to issue a tender or request for proposals following EU procurement regulations.  Tender documents are typically released in the Greek language, which is an official EU language.  In certain instances, usually for big projects, the tender documents are also released in the English language.  U.S. companies can bid on any tender either directly or through a local agent.  The government posts all tenders on the e-procurement website where prospective bidders can acquire tender documents and submit their proposals.  To register, and for more detailed information on how the website works, please click here.  Semi-governmental organizations have their own tender boards and evaluating committees.  Under the procurement law, evaluating and awarding tenders is the responsibility of each Ministry’s or state-owned enterprise's tender board.  A Tenders Review Authority (TRA) examines complaints from bidders and ensures that project awards are not mishandled. 

Information on upcoming tenders is available through the U.S. Embassy in Nicosia, Political/Economic Section (e-mail:  nicosiaecon@state.gov).  Alternatively, you can find relevant information through Export.Gov or through the Business Information Database System (BIDS). 

Ministry technical committees evaluate government tenders.  Bids are usually evaluated first on technical merit and then on cost, depending on the value of the project.  Bidders on government contracts are advised to offer products/services that meet exact tender specifications. 

The ROC agreed to abide by the World Trade Organization Government Procurement Agreement by way of its accession to the European Union in 2004.

Many governments finance public works projects through borrowing from the Multilateral Development Banks.  Please refer to the “Project Financing” Section in “Trade and Project Financing” for more information. 
 

Area Administered by Turkish Cypriots:

The “Central Tenders Commission (CTC)” in the “Ministry of Finance” is responsible for all “government” tenders except those issued by “municipalities.”  Each “municipality” has its own tender board and follows its own regulations and procedures for issuing a tender.

Tenders are announced in the “Official Gazette” or in a minimum of two local Turkish language newspapers.  Most large tenders permit participation from international companies.  International companies can participate through an agent or with a partner in the area administered by Turkish Cypriots if the tender specifications clearly state that the tender is open for international participation. 
The agent or partner must be fully registered in the area administered by Turkish Cypriots in order to represent any international company.

Prepared by our U.S. Embassies abroad. With its network of 108 offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.