Impacto de los acuerdos comerciales que tienen incidencia directa con la compra pública del Ecuador en la adquisición de dispositivos médicos, durante el período 2019-2023

Abstract

Ecuador has signed several trade agreements that include specific provisions on public procurement, reflecting significant progress in its integration into international trade. This research focuses on assessing the impact of trade agreements that directly influence public procurement in Ecuador, particularly those signed with the European Union, the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and Chile. The study analyzes the public procurement-related clauses and their effect on the acquisition of medical devices during the period 2019–2023. To this end, statistical data were collected from the Official Public Procurement System (SOCE) and various public institutions such as the Ministry of Production, Foreign Trade, Investment and Fisheries, the Central Bank of Ecuador, the Superintendency of Companies, Securities and Insurance, and the National Customs Service, along with relevant technical and academic information. The findings reveal that approximately 3% of the awarded suppliers in the procurement processes for medical devices were foreign, demonstrating international participation in this strategic sector. This analysis contributes to a better understanding of the role trade agreements play in enhancing the efficiency, transparency, and competitiveness of public procurement in Ecuador, particularly in the health sector.