Cabinet gives local goods
preferred treatment in bids

A step forward for boosting production

The Prime Minister’s Office on Wednesday issued a circular requiring all public institutions and the Union of Municipalities to favor ‘Made in Lebanon’ goods when setting the terms of reference for tenders and public procurement.

According to the circular, locally-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, which called for the involvement of national industries in tenders whenever they 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,” said a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office.

“Public procurement of locally manufactured goods is still very low,” said Georges Nasraoui, Vice Chairman of the Association of Lebanese Industrialists.

All ministries should purchase locally-made stationary and paper products, Nasraoui said. The Lebanese Army and Internal Security Forces should purchase locally-produced military fatigues, as well as local food products for their central kitchens.

“This decision will be a step forward for boosting the production and developing the industrial sector,” Nasraoui said.

Public institutions and municipalities are required to submit a monthly report to the Prime Minister’s Office about launched tenders, and whether they are abiding by the circular.