OFFICIAL BUSINESS

GOVERNMENT REITERATES LOCAL GOODS PREFERENTIAL TREATMENT IN BIDS

he Prime Minister’s Office issued a circular asking all public institutions and Union of Municipalities to give ‘Made in Lebanon’ goods a preference when setting the terms of reference for tenders and public procurement. Manufactured products should be given preferential treatment even if they are up to ten percent more expensive than imported goods. The decision is based on a circular issued in 1997, calling for involving national industries in tenders whenever these industries meet the technical conditions that are required in the terms of reference. “Public institutions are still not abiding to the rules and decrees issued when setting the terms of references for tenders,” the Prime Minister’s Office said in a statement. “Public procurements for manufactured goods are still very shy,” said , Vice Chairman of the Association of Lebanese Industrialists. All ministries should purchase locally-made stationary and paper products. The Lebanese Army and Internal Security Forces can purchase locally-produced military fatigues, as well as local food products for their central kitchens. “This decision will