Promoting Accountability and Public Oversight of Public Procurement project officially launched

Today, November 24, the official launch ceremony of the Promoting Accountability and Public Oversight of Public Procurement” project was held at the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Armenia.

The goal of the project is to enhance public oversight over the public procurement system in the Republic of Armenia and promote the transparency and accountability of public procurement. The project is implemented by the Union of Informed Citizens NGO in cooperation with the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Armenia and is funded by the UK Government’s Good Governance Fund.

In his opening remarks during the launch ceremony, Programs Coordinator of the Union of Informed Citizens Daniel Ioannisyan noted that many corruption risks are associated with the procurement sector. Hence, enhancing the oversight over the procurement sector by non-governmental organizations and journalists will reduce these risks and increase the efficiency of public administration: “It is an honor for the Union of Informed Citizens to work with such partners as the Embassy of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland in Armenia, the Ministry of Finance, as well as journalists and civil society representatives who are interested in monitoring the procurement sector.”

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United Kingdom to the Republic of Armenia H.E. John Gallagher noted that strong partnerships between the Government and civil society organizations are key to better understanding local needs and finding effective solutions. “It is a pleasure to be here today to launch the Promoting Accountability and Public Oversight of Public Procurements project which is funded by the UK Government’s Good Governance Fund and implemented by the Union of Informed Citizens NGO… I hope that its findings, recommendations will be carefully considered by decision makers and, as a result, contribute to further transparency, accountability and ultimately effectiveness of the public procurement system for the benefit of all Armenian citizens.“  

Deputy Minister of Finance of Armenia Avag Avannesyan also highlighted the importance of the project: “This is yet another step to equip the civil society acting on behalf of our public with the necessary tools to demand a proper quality of services provided by the state.”