Leader of the Opposition presented with Public Procurement recommendations

The Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry presented the Leader of the Opposition with a copy of its report on a proposed Public Procurement Reform, this morning. Dr Grech was visiting the Exchange Buildings for the first time since his appointment as Leader of the Opposition.

The document makes 36 tangible recommendations for improved public procurement processes, following a thorough consultation process with The Malta Chamber members.

While acknowledging the complexity of the procurement process, Chamber President Perit David Xuereb said that sometimes the process may not inspire the trust it deserves.

“This is not beneficial to any of the parties having an interest in procurement using public funds. Government attracts criticism, the business community who would otherwise be interested in tendering loses faith in the process, and ultimately the customer, who is the tax-payer is short-changed as they would not get the best service or product possible” said Perit Xuereb.

“Our document proposes concrete and measurable ways of how to address the lacunae that exist in this process, including a contract register to ensure transparency of execution to the satisfaction of all”.

The document was developed after a consultation process with Chamber members and through a working group of experienced individuals and professionals from across the economy. The document serves as valuable guidance for the necessary reforms that are needed, in order to ensure that economic operators are able to perform on an equitable level playing field when tendering for Government purchase requests.

These reforms also serve to ensure that national funds are deployed to their best potential and in the interest of the general public.

The Working Group was led by Vice President Ms Liz Barbaro Sant, and included Former President Mr Anton Borg, Council member Mr Marcel K. Mifsud, and members Ms Maronna Filletti, Ms Mary Gaerty, and Mr Roderick Abela. The group was assisted by Policy Executive Ms Julia Aquilina, while Dr Clement Mifsud Bonnici (Ganado Advocates) was the professional advisor on the process. The document presented was developed in collaboration with Ganado Advocates.