The European Commission is organising a conference in Brussels on information and training in public procurement, to be held on 16-17 November, 2000. The principal objective of the conference is to provide a forum for interested parties to discuss and compare ways of improving information and training - with a view to opening up, and increasing the efficiency of, public procurement markets.

Topics to be covered include:

• Using information technology to improve information flows and to increase efficiency in the tender process;
  
• Benefits of an observatory in public procurement;
  
• Information and training: a SME Perspective;
  
• Prior information: a means for improving information for enterprises;
  
• The role of Euro Info Centres in dissemination of information;
  
• Training in public procurement: strategic issues, training of central and local government, and industry;
  
• Some Member State actions and initiatives to improve information and training.