Kiwi Businesses May Benefit From Singapore Review

Kiwi Businesses May Benefit From Singapore Review

6 May, 2005 -

New Zealand businesses may benefit from proposed relaxing of rules for government procurement projects in Singapore.

The Singapore government is reviewing the rules to make them more accessible, especially for small players, says New Zealand’s Trade Commissioner in Singapore, Robert Skinner.
He is urging Kiwi businesses to take an interest as the Singapore government procurement market is estimated to be worth about S$10 billion annually.

“Until recently, start-ups and small and medium enterprises with no track records found themselves losing out to more established competitors for public sector projects,” he says. “This scenario is likely to change and a more level playing field could be in store for businesses in the coming months.”

Previously, small players generally had to partner with big local players to participate in government tenders, he says.

Under the new rules, companies wishing to make a bid must first register with the Expenditure and Procurement Policies Unit.

“Obviously, while you can bid with no local presence and without deep pockets, your company will be subject to financial scrutiny,” says Mr Skinner. “New Zealand companies still need to demonstrate their ability to be committed and capable and, where appropriate, should place a priority on developing local partnerships.”

Mr Skinner suggested New Zealand businesses make use of TenderLink.com, which offers a tender notification service to subscribers. This service provides information on government and private sector tenders from Singapore and Australasia.

In New Zealand, the equivalent service for Australasia is provided by New Zealand Trade & Enterprise through the Industry Capability Network New Zealand (ICN). This aims to maximise opportunities for competitive local supply in the New Zealand market, which also helps increase the capability of New Zealand industry. This involves working with New Zealand purchasers in government departments, and in major projects, to identify New Zealand and Australian companies that can meet purchase requirements in the face of competition from imported products.

ENDS

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