The Ministry of Planning and Investment has just sent an official dispatch which asks ministries, ministerial-level agencies, national governmental agencies and the administration of centrally-run cities and provinces to strengthen the organisation of online bidding in the current context of COVID-19.

According to the Ministry of Planning and Investment, through reviewing bidding notices on the Viet Nam National E–Procurement System (VNEPS), it was found that many investors and bid solicitors in localities where the social distancing in accordance with Directive No. 16/ CT-TTg are taking effect are still organising bidding in the conventional way, instead of online bidding as highly recommended.

In reality, the conventional organisation of bidding may limit the participation of bidders and especially, potentially lead to the risk of COVID-19 spread due to direct contacts between bid solicitors and bidders.

Meanwhile, online bidding has proved to be the most effective tool to ensure that the bidding was competitive, fair, transparent and economical, contributing to the reform of administrative procedures in the process of selecting contractors. Online bidding not only shortens the time and reduces costs for bid solicitors and tenders, but also prevents swindling.

In order to contribute to limiting the spread of COVID-19 in parallel with ensuring the effectiveness of the bidding, the Ministry of Planning and Investment proposes that investors, bid solicitors and project management boards intensify the implementation of online bidding for bidding packages.

The selection of eligible tenders must ensure the objectives of the bidding work in terms of transparency, openness and competitiveness in local economic activities

Reporting by NAM PHUONG – Translating by A.T