Arlington, VA – This week, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency launched a procurement assistance program under its Global Procurement Initiative (GPI) to advance the development of high-quality public infrastructure in Nepal. In partnership with the Government of Nepal’s Public Procurement Monitoring Office (PPMO), the program commenced with a workshop in Kathmandu focused on implementing more value-based practices within the country’s public procurement system.
“The Government of Nepal is dedicated to implementing international best practices in procurement that will strengthen the quality of its public infrastructure. This will serve its citizens for decades to come,” said Enoh T. Ebong, USTDA’s Director. “Sound procurement principles and robust, transparent public procurement systems are essential to infrastructure development. We embrace this opportunity to partner with Nepal on this priority.”
The workshop included more than 60 Nepali procurement officials from 11 ministries and will be followed by a study tour in fall 2024 to bring leading Nepalese public procurement leaders to the United States to engage with U.S. counterparts. Program content includes training on sustainable procurement, developing technical specifications and establishing value-based evaluation criteria, and how to conduct life-cycle cost analysis. The George Washington University’s Government Procurement Law Program and GPI’s technical experts are carrying out the assistance.
“The PPMO is committed to the professional training of our procurement workforce,” said Bharat Mani Subedi, PPMO’s Secretary. “This workshop will expose procurement officials to international best practices and trends in procurement around the world. It is important for Nepal to learn about these practices and translate what is relevant and applicable in the Nepali context.”
Launched in 2013, USTDA’s GPI trains public officials in emerging markets on how to establish procurement practices and policies that integrate life-cycle cost analysis and best value determination in a fair, transparent manner. GPI helps partner countries acquire high-quality, long-lasting technologies, while building smart, sustainable infrastructure with overall savings to their government. These procurement methods also open markets to greater international competition. GPI leverages the expertise of its institutional partners and collaborators, which include universities, multilateral development banks and government entities.
USTDA’s training program advances U.S. foreign policy priorities including the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment.
###
The U.S. Trade and Development Agency helps companies create U.S. jobs through the export of U.S. goods and services for priority infrastructure projects in emerging economies. USTDA links U.S. businesses to export opportunities by funding project preparation and partnership building activities that develop sustainable infrastructure and foster economic growth in partner countries.
MEDIA INQUIRIES: Paul Marin | press@ustda.gov