A integridade nos contratos públicos: o efeito do GPA-WTO sobre a percepção da corrupção

Abstract

This study analyzes the impact of accession to the WTO Government Procurement Agreement (GPA-WTO) on the perception of corruption, considering the relevance of public procurement for governance, integrity, and the international credibility of countries. The objective was to examine the relationship between GPA accession and the variation in corruption perception levels, measured by the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), from 1995 to 2024. The research adopted a cross-sectional design with a quantitative approach, based on secondary data from Transparency International and the WTO. For data analysis, descriptive and exploratory statistical techniques were employed, which made it possible to identify general patterns and differences among GPA signatories, observers, and non-members. The results showed that GPA member countries, on average, display higher levels of perceived integrity than non-members, although the effects are not immediate, requiring internal institutional strengthening to become consolidated. The study partially confirmed the initial hypothesis, as it demonstrated a positive association between GPA accession and corruption perception, but it did not identify direct causality. It is concluded that the effects of the agreement depend not only on formal accession but also on the effective implementation of its principles and the institutional engagement of each country, reinforcing the need for integration between international norms and domestic capacities.