Kazakhstan is spearheading the drive towards the comprehensive digitalization of government procurement within the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), the Ministry of Trade and Integration reported. As of now, Kazakhstan stands out as the sole member nation where the public procurement process is entirely digitized, thanks to the integration of the Electronic Public Procurement System with various state, banking, and organizational systems involved in the procurement process.
This pioneering approach has not only simplified business processes but has also significantly reduced the administrative and financial burden on businesses. By embracing digitalization, Kazakhstan is setting the stage for enhanced efficiency and transparency in government procurement procedures.
Access to government procurement across EAEU countries is a priority, and Kazakhstan is ensuring this through the provision of national treatment on a reciprocal basis, aligning with the principles of the EAEU Treaty. This entails offering conditions to suppliers from member states that are similar to those provided to domestic suppliers.
Despite the EAEU Treaty's provision for the full digitalization of public procurement procedures, the goal has yet to be fully realized within the Union. Kazakhstan, however, is taking proactive measures to ensure the digitalization process becomes a reality, and this move is crucial for facilitating Kazakhstani suppliers' unimpeded access to procurement opportunities in EAEU countries.
The Eurasian Economic Commission, in collaboration with authorized government bodies of EAEU member states, is actively developing Rules for the mutual recognition of digital signatures. Once implemented, these rules will comprehensively address the challenge of ensuring seamless access to participation in procurement.
A comprehensive Plan of Measures is currently underway to achieve the full digitalization of public procurement in EAEU member states. This plan includes amendments to the EAEU Treaty, improvements to software and hardware systems of member states' web portals, and the development of a legal basis for conducting procurement procedures in an electronic format using electronic digital signatures.
On January 22, a significant milestone was reached as a virtual meeting took place among EAEU member states. The discussion revolved around issues pertaining to the full digitalization of public procurement, with a particular focus on establishing a legal framework for conducting electronic procurement procedures using electronic digital signatures.
This year, the EAEU countries are poised to adopt Rules for the mutual recognition of digital signatures, marking a pivotal step towards realizing the digitalization goals. Simultaneously, efforts are underway to complete the enhancement of software and hardware systems on web portals facilitating government procurement in member states.
In essence, Kazakhstan's active participation in the public procurement processes of EAEU member states opens up a substantial market, with an annual volume exceeding $100bn, providing a promising avenue for domestic businesses to thrive in the digital era.
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