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World Bank strengthens procurement process in Laos
The World Bank is assisting the Lao government to strengthen the capacity of financial sector workers and related administrative staff regarding procurement procedures, with a particular focus on all World Bank financed projects in Laos.
The Ministry of Finance and related project staff gathered in Vientiane yesterday to learn more about the national competitive bidding method, and using the government's standard bidding document for the procurement or purchase of goods, construction, maintenance and services.
“Competitive bidding is an important aspect of the implementing projects that have received loan or grant funding from development partners, especially World Bank funded projects as well as government budget management,” Ministry of Finance Office Acting Head Mr Sipheng PhonAmad said at the workshop.
The participants also learnt about the need to effectively follow regulations on government procurement, to ensure they comply with World Bank procurement regulations.
This workshop is important to developing good financial management, especially in regards to cost effectiveness, thrift policy and strict financial discipline, Mr Sipheng stressed.
Knowledge of proper procurement procedures will be of significant benefit to projects that receive loans or grants from the World Bank. It will help projects to be more cost efficient and effective, and guarantee that government budgeting and development project expenditure is economical, appropriate and complies with all financial rules and regulations.
Small improvements to the procurement process have the potential to save donors and the government a lot of money, and make a significant difference to the lives of those whom the funding is intended for.
A standardised and transparent procurement process would not only save development projects money and therefore increase the effectiveness of their outcomes, but also increase donor and investor confidence if bidding processes were fair and open.
Procurement systems and the capacity of staff in many developing countries are still low and procurement processes are substandard due to poor management and oversight and inadequately trained staff, which is why the World Bank facilitates training and development of financial personnel.
The bank routinely organises procurement training for recipients of World Bank funding in Laos, gathering together project finance and technical officials to discuss how to implement procurement rules efficiently and effectively, and solve problems where they occur, World Bank Country Manager in Laos Ms Keiko Miwa said.
Over the last eight years, the bank has provided assistance with financial accountability, including proper procurement rules and principles of development, developing standard bidding documents, making records available for inspection, and setting up a procurement monitoring office with a centralised website which donors can access, she added.
The Lao government is aware that there are still many challenges to ensuring an effective and efficient procurement system and is working to build the capacity of its auditing systems, ensuring strict inspection systems and reporting of project outcomes and expenditures.
The World Bank will continue to provide assistance and support to Laos, aiming to solve any unresolved issues to ensure that it can continue to alleviate poverty and raise living standards into the future.
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