On 4 December 2024, Auditor General Maksim Acevski held a meeting with representatives from the World Bank - Mr. Chenjerani Simon B. Chirwa, Practice Manager, Procurement-Europe and Central Asia, Ms. Elena Corman, Senior Procurement Specialist and Team Leader for the Western Balkans, and Ms. Antonia Viyachka, Senior Procurement Specialist.
The purpose of the visit was to discuss the current implementation of procurement, challenges, and solutions of projects financed by the World Bank. The progress of the public procurement process in the country and the support provided by the World Bank within the public procurement reforms were also a focus.
Auditor General emphasized the importance of the public procurement process efficiency, particularly in the context of capital investments financed by the World Bank. When presenting the audit results, specifically on World Bank-financed projects, key shortcomings and challenges were highlighted, along with recommendations for improving processes.
"We are ready to collaborate with the World Bank to improve the public procurement system and develop the capacities of state institutions. As an institution leading in state auditing, our goal is to improve the transparency and efficiency of processes and strengthen the trust of citizens and investors. Through this cooperation, we aim to contribute to delivering better and more effective services to citizens, to become an example for other institutions in the region and beyond," stated Mr. Acevski.
The World Bank representatives congratulated the success and progress made by the State Audit Office, emphasizing the importance of continuing collaboration through training, study visits, and exchanging experiences with countries that implement advanced public procurement audit models and post-review of World Bank-financed projects. They stressed that support for advancing e-procurement systems is crucial for the successful implementation of reforms and that sharing best practices from other countries will improve public procurement processes in the country.
This meeting proved the World Bank’s continued commitment to supporting reforms in the country and improving public procurement processes, which will have a positive impact on the efficiency and transparency of public investments. In the near future, an official document establishing the specific rights and obligations of both parties is expected to be signed to strengthen cooperation and achieve the desired results.