The key to forge an open, just and fair framework for government procurement is to establish an effective means of supervision, and to make more inspections of procurement organizations and their staff, which would help prevent corruption.
Members of China's top legislature made these remarks in Beijing Tuesday, at the group discussion on the draft law of government procurement, which is part of the on-going 28th session of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee.
Members had differing opinions on the amendments to the draft law.
Chen Junliang pointed out, as the draft says a procurement organization is a non-profitable corporation, its work should be carried out in a competitive yet transparent environment.
He also suggested regulatory administration should draw up standards for regular checks on procurement organizations, so that a sound competitive environment can be created, and government administrators have knowledge of those with better operations and profits.
Yang Zhenhuai proposed procurement organizations and staff should work regular shifts. Comments and opinions from government administration should be collected.
Some people pointed out the draft law should add more detailed regulation about information about procurement organizations, so that government could easily choose a procurement agent.
Other opinions include giving training to procurement staff, and releasing government procurement information through the Internet, etc.
Working out a law on government procurement not only is in keeping with China's entry into the World Trade Organization (WTO), but also guarantees the interests of China and its people.
Liu Heng said, to legalize government procurement is of great importance to restrain the money-for-power trade, and to protect public property.
The draft law on government procurement was first written in 1999, and piloted in some Chinese provinces and regions. Statistics show the Chinese government procurement totaled 65.3 billion yuan in 2000 and is expected to reach 100 billion yuan this year, accounting for one percent of the GDP of China.
The NPC Standing Committee members expressed their hope that the law could play an important role in rectifying the market economy, preventing corruption and helping foreign trade to prosper.
(People's Daily June 26, 2002)
