Transparency key in bidding
Transparency key in bidding
Most domestic bidders continue to lack confidence in the transparent competition when bidding on projects.
Of particular concern was the transparency of bidding packages related to construction and infrastructure projects, such as designated bidding packages and the possible biased selection of bidders. Also, the target of selecting bidders is quite vague.
Nguyen Van De, chairman of Thanh Hoa Entrepreneur Association, said many businesses do not voice their concerns about the unfair bidding mechanism, as they are afraid of losing their financing and receiving negative ratings on their business performance.De said this situation was very common, not only in central Thanh Hoa Province, but throughout the country. Such problems are resulting in businesses losing confidence in efforts to revise the bidding mechanism by the Government and relevant agencies, in an attempt to improve the business climate.
Despite making great efforts to enhance transparency and increase professional expertise in the bidding process, there are existing problems in Bidding Law 2013, such as its remaining inconsistent with reality, in its failing to follow market-oriented mechanisms and encourage healthy competition.
Ninh Viet Dinh, from Electricity of Viet Nam (EVN), said bidders always attached importance to healthy competition in bidding. Though bidding often fell below their expectations, thus resulting in frequent conflicts in bidding.
Dinh added that strict inspections should be made to control foreign bidders. The law should spell out clear regulations on joint ventures with local bidders, or requirements to use local sub-contractors.
Further, the relationship between bidders and different contractors in a bidding process needs to be conducted in a transparent manner to avoid conflict, he said.
According to Dinh, the State stipulated that transparent bidding packages must be made available through online websites and on paper to ensure transparency and encourage using electronic methods in bidding. Yet, it was noted that human interaction remains the most important factor.
Le Minh Hai, general director of Da Nang – Mien Trung Investment JSC, said in many cases bidders have to deal with difficulties in payments, and even winning bidders fail to carry out projects on schedule due to inflexible regulations found in the existing Bidding Law. As a result, such problems cause additional difficulties for bidders.
Hai noted that the Bidding Law in 2013 needs to ensure the principles of transparency, competition and efficiency concerning bidding invitation announcements, bidding documents and bidding procedures.
