Of course this again will depend on how things will get implemented in reality. But still, at least it can give one hope and optimism.
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A Milestone Towards Greater Transparency in Public Procurement System

Contact:
Viengsamay Srithirath
 +856 20 2229888  +856 20 2229888
vsrithirath@worldbank.org

Vientiane, September 28, 2009 – The Standard Bidding Documents and Standard Procurement Manuals of the Government of Lao PDR (GoL) were launched by the Ministry of Finance on Friday, September 25, 2009.  The launching ceremony was chaired by H.E. Mme. Viengthong Siphandone, Vice Minister of Finance (MoF), and attended by officials from line Ministries and Representatives from Development Partners.  The occasion also was marked by a presentation by MoF on the completion of the national Public Procurement Website which is expected to become operational for public access shortly.

Enhancing transparency and accountability in public procurement is a key element of the GoL’s effort to strengthen public financial management.  In 2004, the Prime Minister Decree No. 03/PM on Procurement of Public Goods, Construction, Restoration and Services, and Ministry of Finance Guidelines of the Implementing Rules and Regulations No. 0063/MoF, established a strengthened legal framework for public procurement in LaoPDR for application by line Ministries, Agencies, Provinces as well as State Owned Enterprises.

 “Ministry of Finance was determined and worked closely with line agencies, with extensive discussions and consultations, to develop the Standard Bidding Documents, Standard Procurement Manuals, and Procurement Website. This event does not only signify the greater improvement in public procurement system, but also marking a significant joint efforts among government agencies with the continuing support from our Development Partners,” said H.E. Mme. Viengthong Siphandone, Vice  Minister of Finance, in her opening marks.

The application of Standard Bidding Documents, Standard Procurement Manuals, and Procurement Website, will facilitate systematic implementation of the improved legal framework for public procurement in the country and help significantly in institutional strengthening, promoting efficiency and effectiveness, and enhancing transparency and accountability in public procurement. It is also  an important step forward towards realization of the Vientiane Declaration on Aid Effectiveness by the Government, particularly on harmonization and alignment to facilitate Development Partners’ support by using the ‘country system’.

“The World Bank is pleased to be part of this effort along with other Development Partners, and to provide the needed technical and financial support.  The World Bank would like to applaud the Government of Lao PDR for this remarkable milestone in strengthening the Public Procurement system to ensure transparency and accountability, as well as to enhance the effectiveness of development outcomes,” said Patchamuthu Illangovan, World Bank Country Manager to Lao PDR.  The GoL fully recognizes the importance and benefits of ensuring effective implementation of the public procurement framework in the country and in this regard is also looking ahead at ways of establishing institutionalized systems for procurement capacity building and the monitoring of procurement performance and outcomes.

The Standard Bidding Documents and Standard Procurement Manuals will shortly be available on-line when the national Public Procurement Website, www.pp.gov.la, becomes operational