Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — At the 57th plenary session of the Senate, a law was reviewed that introduces amendments and additions to the Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan "On Public Procurement," aimed at further improving the public procurement system.

The law introduces new mechanisms such as two-stage public procurement, simplified procedures for low-cost procurement, centralized public procurement, and framework agreements.

A new principle of sustainability is also added to the law, requiring state procurers to conduct sustainable public procurement, considering the short-term, medium-term, and long-term economic, environmental, and social impacts.

It is established that state procurers, including budgetary procurers, may choose the best offers or enter into a framework agreement for a period of 1 to 4 years based on the results of the tender, if necessary.

The law also provides that in the electronic marketplace and at auctions, there may be a reserve winner to provide additional convenience to entrepreneurs. In the event that the initial winner refuses to sign the contract, it will be offered to the reserve winner.

The law clearly outlines the grounds for preventing conflicts of interest in the activities of the Commission for Reviewing Complaints in the field of public procurement.

The adoption of this law will promote openness and transparency through improvements to the public procurement system, further enhance competition in this area, create favorable opportunities for state procurers, and encourage greater involvement of entrepreneurs in the public procurement process.

After discussions, the law was approved.