Joe Sapa, the Acting CEO of the National Procurement Commission (NPC), recently attended a high-level workshop alongside public procurement experts from across the Asia-Pacific region. The workshop, hosted by Korea’s Public Procurement Service (PPS) in partnership with the Asian Development Bank (ADB), brought together 24 senior officials from 14 countries, including Uzbekistan’s Deputy Minister of Finance, Gulnora Rakhimova. The event aimed to provide participants with insights into Korea’s advanced public procurement infrastructure and operational strategies.

The workshop covered a wide range of topics, including Korea’s digital government strategies, key public procurement policies, and the functioning of the country’s renowned e-procurement system. These sessions were designed to enhance participants’ understanding of Korea’s approach to government procurement and how it could be applied in their respective countries. Mr. Sapa, along with other attendees, had the opportunity to explore the intricacies of Korea’s procurement system, which is regarded as one of the most advanced in the world.

Coinciding with the fourth annual Public Procurement Day event, the workshop also provided a platform for APAC procurement leaders to learn about Korea’s Innovation Procurement initiative. This initiative highlights Korea’s efforts to integrate innovative companies into the public procurement process, offering a unique perspective on how government procurement can drive technological advancements and boost economic growth.

The event underscored the importance of international cooperation in public procurement, as leaders like Mr. Sapa gained valuable knowledge to help refine their own procurement systems. By learning from Korea’s experience, participants are expected to implement new practices that enhance the efficiency and transparency of procurement processes in their home countries.