Cabinet Approves Directive to Prioritise Domestic Materials in Procurement

The Cabinet approved the directive concerning the promotion and utilisation of domestic products in public procurement. According to reports, the measure is designed to diminish the reliance on imported materials across government construction projects and public purchases. Under the newly introduced rules, public entities are required to utilise local goods and materials whenever such items meet the necessary quality and technical standards. The policy extends to infrastructure works, aiming to replace imported bitumen and asphalt with domestic alternatives where feasible. Planning procedures now require local materials and technologies to be integrated from the initial feasibility study, design phase, detailed project report, cost estimation, and tender preparation stages. Once domestic products are specified in an agreement, foreign alternatives cannot be used without official approval. Accountability has been established for public officials and consultants involved in the process. The responsibility for ensuring that domestic supplies are chosen falls directly upon the head of the respective public body, the technical experts and consultants preparing the design, and the official granting approval.