Letter: UN secretariat clarifies

Tue, 07/22/2008 10:14 AM  |  Reader's Forum

I would like to correct a number of key points presented in the article titled "UN urges RI bids in $18b renovation project," (The Jakarta Post, July 18, p. 2) that may lead to misleading vendors in seeking business opportunities with the UN.

First, the budget of the renovation project is about US$1 billion, not $1.8 billion.

Second, the application for registration is to be made to the company selected by the UN, i.e. SKANSKA or through the CMP web sites.

Third, the test for the ration pack solicitation has been conducted by the UN without cost to the vendor participating to the solicitation.

Fourth, the standards described in the article should not be an obstacle but rather an objective to achieve to promote quality in the service provided by vendors to the UN.

Fifth, the article does not address the many business opportunities of the UN specialized agencies (UNDP, UNICEF, WFP, etc.) which operate in the country and which are in need of more national vendors.

Finally, I would like to bring my full support to any initiative from host organizations to continue to attract Indonesian vendors to UN business opportunities.

PAUL BUADES
Director, Procurement Division
UN Secretariat
Jakarta

Note: Thank you for your clarification.
--Editor

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