An alliance of NGOs has written a letter to the Ministry of Economy and Finance raising concerns over the ability of the government’s draft procurement law to promote transparency in public contracts, calling for more consultation before the legislation is sent to the Council of Minsters.

The alliance, which includes NGO Forum, the Cambodian Defenders Project and the Affiliated Network for Social Accountability, cited concerns over the definitions of key terms in the draft law and its provisions for transparency and fairness in the public procurement process, according to a draft of the letter obtained by The Post yesterday.

“Preliminary analysis [has] indicated some points in the law are still not clear or do not follow international best practices,” the letter read. The groups called for greater public consultation with civil society organisations before the law is passed to the Council of Ministers. Ou Bon Long, a secretary of state at the Ministry of Economy and Finance, said Wednesday that the move is scheduled for next week.

San Chey, a fellow at the Affiliated Network for Social Accountability in East Asia said the Finance Ministry should establish a feedback process incorporating all parties potentially affected by the legislation.

“I think that the draft law on procurement may also affect the private sector. That is why we sent a letter,” San Chey said.