The President has today established Central Procurement Office (CPO) under the Ministry of Finance and Treasury.
CPO is established with the objective of strengthening and centrally undertaking the procurement of fixed assets and other goods and services for the government as well as managing repairs and refurbishment of government premises.
Following the establishment of CPO, central procurement system will be implemented in two phases. In the first phase, CPO will procure office stationeries and undertake repairs and maintenance in the government offices. CPO will begin the phase on 1 March 2011.
Second phase will be implemented after the consolidation of the first phase. In the second phase, procurement of all fixed assets and other goods and services for the public sector will be centralised under CPO.
It is also decided to begin orientation programmes on central procurement system for the government agencies and formulate rules and guidelines to ensure smooth and coordinated transition to the system..