eGP Global Conference

The need to strengthen public procurement systems (e-gp) is growing, primarily because 15% (or more) of GDP is processed through them. Improving their efficiency and effectiveness can play a critical role in a country’s development process. The introduction of e-gp in country government procurement systems is one of the most powerful vehicles available for promoting the reforms needed to achieve high standards of transparency, accountability and efficiency.

Over the past decade, DMCs have made progress in incorporating information technology in their country systems. However, the impact of the reforms has not been significant as the efforts have been carried out in isolation. The Multilateral Developments Banks (MDBs) are aware of this. Recently, they have formed a working group to promote the use of e-GP systems for their respective borrowing member countries.

To re-ignite the interest and sharing of good practices, the African Development Bank, Asian Development Bank, Inter-American Development Bank and World Bank are hosting the Third Global Conference on electronic government procurement (eGP) from November 9 – 11, 2009 in the Inter-American Development Bank Conference Center, Washington DC, United States. basically, the global conference aims to share best practices and challenges related to eGP implementation, aimed at improving transparency and quality of public expenditure. The review of these issues with government leaders and experts from around the word will provide valuable knowledge and networking for eGP reform worldwide.See the Agenda.

Mr. Hamid Sharif, Principal Director, Central Operations Services Office ADB will moderate the November 9 afternoon session on Trends in Public Procurement. In addittion to Mr. Hamid’s speech, this sesion will highlight the presentations of Esperanza Esparza, President of the Inter-American Public Procurement Network on the Public Procurement in Latin America and The Caribbean; Frannie Léautier, Executive Secretary of the African Capacity Building Foundation on the Public Procurement in Africa; and a Representative of Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation who will present the Public Procurement in Asia.

Together with a panel of other procurment specialists, Mr. Yinguo Huang, Lead Professional, Consulting Services of the ADB will moderate the breakout session on Strengthening Procurement In this session, participants will look into: How are policy frameworks for e-GP developed? How to present and raise awareness regarding its importance to politicians, suppliers and public opinion? How to maximize use of electronic systems to support public policy? How to measure and show results? These are some of the questions addressed in this session, through theory and case studies. The discussion will explore the use of indicators for measuring benefits, efficiency and transparency, as key arguments for implementation.