In Iraq, public procurement plays an important role in supporting the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the national economy as well as providing the necessary infrastructure for the development of the private sector. However, factual and reliable data on Iraqi government spending is not easily accessible due to the general lack of transparency and the constantly changing procurement system in the post-conflict context. In light of this, on the request of the Government of Iraq, the OECD carried out a review of the Iraqi public procurement system.

The OECD Benchmark Report on Improving Transparency in Government Procurement Procedures in Iraq provides a detailed analysis of public procurement legislation and practices as well as guidance to Iraqi public officials on how to modernise this government activity vulnerable to fraud and corruption.

The Report reviews and compares past and present government procurement regulations highlighting the progress made in the field. It presents costs and benefits, risks and advantages of different policy scenarios the Iraqi authorities might envisage adopting. The Report provides Iraqi officials with Proposals for Action to improve the procurement legislation and its implementation. These Proposals are supported by the practical tools for implementation in daily practice.

The Benchmark Report also forms Chapter 4 of the  OECD publication Supporting Investment and Governance Reforms in Iraq (2007-2008),

 

Read the report online (PDF, 2.49mb)