MINSK, 13 January (BelTA) – The draft decree, which, among other things, involves the measures to rule out dishonest mediation in procurement, was on the agenda of the government meeting presided by Belarusian head of state Aleksandr Lukashenko in Minsk 13 January, BelTA has learned.
The head of state stressed that the procurement system has always been on his radar since it is one of the most important instruments of economic policy. “I have repeatedly given instructions regarding its use with a view to increasing the competitiveness of the economy, ensuring effective use of financial resources and preventing various kinds of gray schemes,” the president said.
In his words, the government has drafted a decree that will help eliminate dishonest mediation and improve the system of procurement.
“With any innovations, however, enterprises need to ensure uninterrupted processes of their economic performance and rational use of financial resources,” the Belarusian leader stressed.
According to Minister of Antimonopoly Regulation and Trade Aleksei Bogdanov, a draft decree to improve the legislation on procurement has been submitted to the head of state. “The proposed innovations will help save budgetary funds and increase the share of domestic goods in public procurement. The first thing that is proposed is a ban on the participation of affiliated entities in government procurement,” said Aleksei Bogdanov.
In his words, affiliate collusion is one of corruption elements that leads to significant overpricing.
Another innovation is that rental and leasing operations will to be carried out on a competitive basis. “We will thus exclude the cases when imported equipment or machinery is purchased without competitive procedures and without the participation of Belarusian suppliers,” the minister said.
Aleksandr Lukashenko stressed that the document should have the corresponding effect and help eliminate existing shortcomings.
