The head of Government procurement has called for networking among stakeholders to make the process work.

Mr Joe Sapa, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the National Procurement Commission made this call at last Friday’s consultation workshop attended by key stakeholders to discuss a new innovation to enter PNG into the e-procurement space.

He said consultation and networking was key to making the procurement system effective and functional.

“I would like to stress that public procurement is everybody’s business. I encourage your positive participation and contribution to this workshop,” he told participants.

“Each of you represents your agency, and your feedback and inputs will assist NPC and ADB to identify and deliver a fit for purpose solution to the many challenges we face in the public procurement space.

“Use this opportunity to network with your colleagues. We have plans to create a ‘community of practice’ for procurement practitioners that share common interest and work in the profession across the broad spectrum of government organizations.

“The network will play a crucial role in knowledge sharing, professional development, and fostering innovation within the public procurement. Most importantly, I urge you to be part of this exciting journey to deliver better public services to our citizens and communities.”

“We are here today to gather input, feedback, and perspectives from all of you, as stakeholders involved directly or indirectly in the implementation and use of electronic government procurement (e-GP) system.

Mr Sapa said the workshop aimed to foster collaboration by bringing together different stakeholders to share and understand the diverse perspectives and find common ground for the successful implementation of e-GP systems.

Further, he said, the workshop ensured inclusiveness and transparency for all stakeholder groups so that implementation of the e-GP systems took into account the needs and concerns of all relevant parties.

“The workshop helps build awareness and capacity. It serves as a platform to raise awareness about e-GP systems and build capacity of participants,” Mr Sapa said.

The National Procurement Commission, he said, was entrusted with a critical mandate to oversee and regulate public procurement across the nation.

“Our primary objective is to ensure the procurement activities are conducted in a manner that is fair, transparent, accountable and in accordance with the Procurement Act 2018. This is not merely a procedural necessity but a cornerstone of good governance and public trust.

The NPC’s role extends beyond oversight; it is about fostering an environment where procurement practice contributes to sustainable and inclusive economic growth. By implementing stringent standards and guidelines, we aim to eliminate corruption and inefficiencies, thereby ensuring that public resources are utilized optimally and equitably.

“Our commitment is unwavering in promoting procurement practices that are compliant with national laws and aligned with international best practices. This commitment is reflected in our continuous efforts to enhance the knowledge and skills of government procurement professionals, streamline processes, and adopt innovative solutions that drive efficiency and effectiveness.

“In essence, the NPC is dedicated to building a procurement system that supports the broader economic and social objectives of Papua New Guinea, ensuring that every procurement decision contributes positively to the nation’s development.”

Mr Sapa acknowledged that partnership of various international institutions in providing technical assistance to the NPC.

“We acknowledge the past and ongoing support from the European Union, Australian Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade, World Bank, UNDP, the Asian Development Bank and others, particularly through the results of a PEFA assessment exercise which led to the establishment of NPC in 2018,” he said.

“NPCs relationship with the international partners is unwavering and we continue to work with them in the procurement space facilitating projects and sustainable programs. Today, I particularly wish to acknowledge the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for partnering with the National Procurement Commission on this journey to deliver an automated public procurement system.”

JOE SAPA

Acting Chief Executive Officer