E-procurement launched

Traditional procurement methods hinder efficiency, increase cost, compromise transparency

KARACHI:

Main features of e-procurement system

n User friendly Interface: The e-procurement system boasts an intuitive and user-friendly interface, simplifying the procurement process for both government entities and suppliers.

n Real-time Monitoring & Reporting: Stakeholders can now benefit from real-time monitoring and reporting features, providing instant access to procurement data, bid status, and project updates.

n Digital Document Management: The system facilitates the secure and efficient management of procurement documents, reducing paperwork, minimising errors, and enhancing document traceability.

n Automated Bidding Process: The e-procurement system automates the entire bidding process, from announcement to bid submission and evaluation, streamlining workflows and ensuring a fair and competitive environment.

n Enhanced Security Measures: Robust security protocols have been implemented to safeguard sensitive procurement data and ensure the integrity of the e-procurement system.

Sindh Chief Minister Justice (retd) Maqbool Bakar has said that the traditional procurement methods hinder efficiency, increase costs, and sometimes compromise transparency, therefore, the provincial government is launching an e-procurement system to address the issues. By implementing e-procurement system and digitizing and automating different tasks will reduce the time and minimise errors.

KARACHI: Caretaker Sindh CM Justice Maqbool Baqar launched E-procurement system and spoke on the occasion.The launching ceremony held at a local hotel & was attended by Law Minister Law/ Chairman SPPRA Omar Soomro, DG Federal PPRA Maqbool Gondal, and DG SPPRA Zubair Pervaiz. pic.twitter.com/uniD3mrcmO

— Sindh Chief Minister House (@SindhCMHouse) December 29, 2023

The CM was speaking at the launch ceremony of the `e-Procurement System' viz E-Pak Acquisition and Disposal System (EPDS)' at a local hotel.

The ceremony was attended by Minister Law & Chairman SPPRA Omar Soomro, DG Federal PPRA Maqbool Gondal, DG SPPRA Zubair Parvez, Director SPPRA Shadiya Jaffer, and secretaries of various departments.

The CM said that the provincial government's top hierarchy and people from the civil society have come together to celebrate an important milestone in our quest for efficiency, transparency, and innovation. "Today marks the beginning of a new chapter as we have unveiled our e-procurement system, an advanced platform that will revolutionise the way we manage our procurement procedures.

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The world rapidly evolves and technology continues to reshape industries. Therefore, embracing innovation is not just an option, but a necessity, the CM said and added, "Our decision to implement e-procurement demonstrates our commitment to staying ahead of the curve, leveraging technology to improve our operations, and ultimately delivering better outcomes for our stakeholders."

The chief minister expressed his commendation for the initiative undertaken by the Sindh Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (SPPRA), supported by the World Bank and Federal PPRA. "This initiative aims to enhance transparency, equity, and competitiveness in public procurement processes. The SPPRA successfully launched its state-of-the-art electronic procurement system (e-procurement), marking a significant leap forward in the realm of transparent, efficient, and accountable public procurement processes."

The event showcased the commitment of SPPRA to modernise public procurement practices, ensuring greater transparency, fairness, and competitiveness in the procurement landscape.

Law Minister & Chairman SPPRA Omar Soomro said that the system was efficient and transparent. He added that now no one would complain against the refusal of the tender form.

Soomro said that in principle the provincial governments should have put the e-system in place but we made it when the World Bank pointed out that the provincial government needed to digitalise it.

MD SPPRA Zubair Pervez Ahmed briefing the chief minister said that the introduction of the e-procurement system was significant to the entire public procurement in Sindh.

DG Federal PPRA Maqbool Gondal and Shadiya Jaffer also spoke on the occasion. Earlier, the chief minister launched the E-procurement system by pressing the computer key.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 30^th, 2023.