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

The post NPC Chief Calls for Networking Among Stakeholders appeared first on National Procurement Commision.

Led by the National Procurement Commission, discussions and consultations have already begun in earnest among Government agencies, State-owned enterprises and International Development Partners. 

This development is the latest in the Marape Government’s focus in strengthening the work of the National Procurement Commission to make more effective and responsive. 

The Government initially started the drive with the appointment of a new Chief Executive Officer, Mr Joseph Sapa, followed soon after by the appointment of a new board headed by the Secretary for Finance, Mr Samuel Penias. 

The move to establish e-procurement is also being assisted by the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank, the European Union and the government of New Zealand. 

The first stakeholder consultation meeting was held in Port Moresby last Friday to discuss and get the ball rolling for this innovative action to be established and implemented without delay. 

In his speech titled; Improving Efficiency and Transparency in Public Procurement, NPC chief Mr Sapa expressed gratitude for the timely intervention in improving public procurement and the digital transformation of procurement processes in PNG. 

“We are gathered at a crucial time, where the information you share, decisions and discussions we engage in, will significantly shape the future of public procurement in Papua New Guinea,” Mr Sapa told workshop participants. 

“This workshop is not merely an event; it is our chance to seek your input on a path towards more efficient, transparent, and accountable procurement systems. Your expertise, insights and contribution are invaluable as we embark on this journey together. 

“It is through our shared vision and concerted actions that we will continue to make significant strides in enhancing procurement practices, ultimately contributing to the sustainable development and economic growth of Papua New Guinea.” 

Giving a historical perspective of the journey of procurement in the country, Mr Sapa concluded that the system had undergone significant evolution over the years. 

He said that up to now, public procurement processes had been largely manual, fragmented, and may sometimes lack the necessary oversight and transparency.  

“This led to inefficiencies, delays or potential misallocation of resources. Recognizing these challenges, the government, through its medium term development plans including the revised NPC corporate strategies, has made concerted efforts to reform and modernize the public procurement landscape,” Mr Sapa said. 

He said public procurement in PNG currently was governed by a robust legal and regulatory framework designed to ensure fairness, transparency, and accountability.  

The establishment of the National Procurement Commission, Mr Sapa said, had been a pivotal step in this journey. The NPC is tasked with overseeing procurement activities, ensuring compliance with established standards, and promoting best practices across all government agencies. 

He said, however, the procurement sector still faced several challenges.  

These include limited capacity and expertise among procurement professionals, bureaucratic red tape, and occasional lapses in adherence to procurement guidelines.  

“These challenges present us with opportunities for growth and improvement,” Mr Sapa said.  

“By investing in capacity-building, streamlining processes, and using technologies which are already used in other countries, we can overcome these obstacles and enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of PNG’s public procurement. 

“Transparent and efficient procurement processes are crucial for national development. They ensure that public funds are used judiciously, projects are completed on time, and the quality of goods and services delivered meet the required standards.” 

JOE SAPA 

Acting Chief Executive Officer

The post Work Begins For State Procurement System To Go Electronic  appeared first on National Procurement Commision.