Training on sustainable public procurement was held for the private sector

The EIEC of the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia organised training for private sector representatives on the implementation of sustainable public procurement in Georgia. The meeting was opened by Tamar Aladashvili, Director of the EIEC  , and Kakha Demetrashvili, Deputy Chairman of the State Procurement Agency.

"In the framework of the EU Environment project, activities have already been carried out to promote the introduction of sustainable public procurement, as well as eco-innovation and eco-labeling. At the same time, we need to develop an appropriate legal framework and raise awareness for the representatives of the implementing agencies, which will contribute to the correct and successful implementation of sustainable public procurement approaches, "-said Tamar Aladashvili.

In implementing public procurement, sustainable public procurement involves taking into account environmental, social, and economic issues. The Sustainable Public Procurement approach focuses on issues such as green, energy-efficient public procurement, social and labor rights, and the interests of people with disabilities.

During the training, the representatives of the business sector got acquainted with the essence of sustainable public procurement and its benefits, the steps taken to implement it, the draft legal provisions prepared in this direction, and the examples of best European practices.

The training is part of the EU-funded EU4 Environment program, in close cooperation with the State Procurement Agency and the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP). It should be noted that the ongoing project under the program aims to promote the introduction of sustainable public procurement approaches and regulations in Georgia, as well as strengthen the capacity of government agencies and the private sector to effectively implement and operate sustainable public procurement.