On 10 February 2010, representatives of the 'e-Gov Project' and the Public Procurement Bureau of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia announced the launch of a new system that integrates the eProcurement system (EPPS) with a software solution for publishing contract notices and notifications.

Developed by the Public Procurement Bureau, the integrated software creates a one-stop-shop for public procurement in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, improving the efficiency and transparency of the public procurement system in the country.  

The Vice Premier and Finance Minister, Zoran Stavreski stated that the application of the eProcurement system is a significant tool in the fight against corruption and bureaucracy, contributing to a transparent public procurement system. "The system extracts the human and subjective factor in all stages of procurement through the use of modern technologies, thus reducing bureaucracy and increasing the Government's efficiency", added Mr. Stavreski.

Commenting on this initiative, Philip Reeker, the US Ambassador to the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia said that this system is an advanced electronic procurement system, well appreciated by a number of neighbouring countries at several international procurement conferences.

The reform of the country's public procurement system, by streamlining complex procedures and by improving the interaction between governmental institutions and the business sector with the use of information technology has been one of the e-Gov project's goals.

Therefore, the e-Gov Project has helped the country establish an electronic procurement system that complies with the European Union directives and supports all forms of public procurement, including electronic auctions. The e-auctions, through which the government seeks the lowest price for the goods and services they are purchasing, have resulted in saving $1.7 million (approx. €1.2 million) in 2009 for the government.

Last year, the e-Gov project trained 840 people from the public and business sectors on how to use the eProcurement system. Currently, there are over 1 900 registered users of the system in the country.

Further information:

• Original Press Release - Government of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia
• e-Gov Project
• Ministry of Finance - Public Procurement Bureau (in Macedonian)
• eProcurement system EPPS