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Municipality of Berovo saves taxpayers money by using e-Procurement, April 22 2008

Latest Tender Demonstrates Transparency and Efficiency of the System

The city of Berovo has successfully completed the public procurement of construction work for the public square, thanks to the use of an electronic system developed by the eGov Project.

With the modern electronic system, the Municipality not only succeeded in completing the procurement, but saved the taxpayers nearly 30% by getting a much lower price than predicted. Furthermore while it normally takes weeks to go through the offers, with the help of the electronic system the entire process, including the evaluation of the bids, was completed in a matter of hours.

City administrative staff working with the tender were pleased, while Berovo Mayor Venko Pashaliski, said: "As a small municipality we are constantly looking for ways to save money. With this tender we gained new perspectives on how savings can be made possible."

USAID and the eGov Project awarded Municipality of Berovo with "Certificate of Appreciation" for their commitment in breaking new grounds and pioneering the use of the electronic procurement system.

The award was handed to the Mayor of Berovo Venko Pashaliski and to Dejan Kalamadevski member of the administration who accepted the challenge in every day use of modern technology in every day operations.

The Awards were handed over by the eGov Chief of Project Gordana Toseva and USAID EG Deputy Director Peter Lampesis in presence of media and community members.

e-Procurement Promoted by the Macedonian Government - February 4, 2008

Today, one month after the inauguration of the new law on public procurement, the Government promoted the Electronic Public Procurement system encouraging the public institutions and the business community to take advantage of this tool that will allow them to make the public procurements more efficient and transparent.

Minister of Information Society Mr.Ivo Ivanovski joined by the Director of the Public Procurement Bureau Mrs.Mare Bogeva Micovska and the Director of the USAID Mission in Macedonia Mrs. Patricia Rader promoted the new electronic system for public procurement. During the press conference, Minister Ivanovski expressed his recommendations for the public institutions (contracting authorities) to use the e-Procurement system.

"The modern society is unthinkable without computers and ICT" says Minister Ivanovski. "It is the same with the electronic tool for conducting public procurement. Today, the system is still unknown to many but it will very soon demonstrate to everyone that public procurement must be conducted electronically. It will increase transparency and it opens up for better business opportunities for companies. Above all, thanks to its efficiency it will save tax-payers money by leading to lower prices to pay for all the things public institutions must buy".
Supporting the need for a change, he added that the successful uptake of this e-government application, for both businesses and Governments, is not a technological issue. It demands changes in traditional ways of doing public procurement; it requires changes in our processes; it requires us to rethink the way we spend public money and how we respond to new processes.

USAID Mission Director Mrs.Patricia Rader shared with the press that USAID is especially proud of its efforts in the area of IT, and helping to make this country a regional leader in using high-tech solutions. She also suppored Minister Ivanovski's message that participation of public institutions and the business community has been critical in making this happen.
"I commend all of you for breaking new grounds and for your commitment to making Macedonia a country where doing business with the Government is easy, transparent and profitable" says Mission Director Rader in her final remarks.

The Government of Republic of Macedonia and the Public Procurement Bureau has been supported by the USAID's eGov Project to develop such an electronic system for public procurement. It is based on the very latest technology and has been developed by one of our Macedonian software companies to meet all our needs. All Public institutions and business are invited to register on the system and also to obtain digital certificates, which are obligatory when posting tender or sending bids on the system. The eGov Project prepared a brief information on Digital Certificates that could be downloaded through this link.

e-Procurement Trainings - February 4, 2008

The Public Procurement Bureau in cooperation with USAID's eGov Project and the Institutional and human capacity strengthening Project, will run a number of trainings for public institutions as well as for business companies.
The training for efficient public procurement is intended for persons responsible for implementation of public procurement procedures in their respective contracting authority. The training shall be conducted by the Consultancy House Crown Agents, and is financed by USAID. The goal is to provide the participants with knowledge and practical examples of how to prepare efficient tender documentations in order to reduce the risk of failure in procedures of awarding public procurement contracts and to attract as many bidders as possible, and at the same time to increase the usage of the already existent electronic system for public procurement.

The first one of this serie titled as Training for trainers has already taken place during January 23-27 2008 in Ohrid where over 20 representatives of the public institutions, including representatives of the Public Procurements Bureau, were trained in skills and knowledge on the topic of public procurements under the supervision and mentoring of an international expert. This group of training participants shall be invited to conduct the transfer of knowledge to the next groups.
This trainings for public institutions (contracting authorities) will continue with two days sessions in February on 11- 12 and 13-14. Promotion for the business community will take place on February 26 in Skopje and 27 in Veles.

For more on the trainings you can contact Ms.Elena Stamatoska Project Manager for e-Procurement applicaion at: elena@eGov.org.mk

Miniter Janakieski and Biljana Muratovska pressed the "distribute" button

Macedonian Society Embraces eGov - eSociety Conference November 29, 2007

The eGov Project's Deputy Chief of Party Jovce Plastinovski participated at the 3rd International conference e-Society.mk organized by Metamorphosis. This year's Conference focused on creation and provision of an environment for Inclusive e-Government and in that context eGov Project highlighted the positive acceptance of the Macedonian society illustrated with figures for usage of the e-Government applications.
Download the presentation here

Electronic Distribution of international cargo transport licenses - November 11, 2007

Around 700 representatives of transport companies who applied onlinefor this years' distribution of International cargo transport licenses, were guests at the 2nd public electronic distribution of licenses. The event took place on Sunday, November 11, at 11:00hours at Hotel Aleksandar Palace in Skopje.

"The eGov Project delivers another application that will provide Efficient, Transparent and Fair Government services", says Jerker Torngren, eGov Project Chief of Party. "The electronic system we have developed knows all information about your business which is necessary for the distribution of the licenses. It does not know more than that. It does not know any gossip. It does not know any "perhaps". It knows only facts. The system will take all this information into account and will not miss a single part when it selects who should get a license. You have been able to see all the information that exists about you. You have been invited to request changes if you did not agree with the existing information. And your requests have been properly dealt with. This is transparency. This is fairness. This is Modern Macedonian administration".

This year 936 companies were included in the electronic distribution of cargo transport licenses, done for the 2nd time through the electronic system. Equal chance to apply was given to over 3600 transport companies in Republic of Macedonia, by providing them with users' name and password access to their personal data in the electronic system.
Macedonian media reported on fair and transparent process, as well as on positive feedback from the users.

Automated allocation of cargo transport licenses - Press Conference - October 03, 2007

The e-Gov Project joined the Ministry of Transport and Communication at the press conference that promoted the electronic application for automated allocation of cargo transport licenses. Representatives of the e-Gov Project Mr.Jovce Plasitnovski, Deputy CoP and Mr.Goran Cvetkoski Project's and IT Manager presented the application functionalities and explained the process of applying.

Minister Mile Janakieski in his speech note: "By making the online process mandatory, we introduce absolutely transparency and we also liberate the process from human influence. What is most important from now on the companies do not have to spend time and money collecting documents that government institutions already have in their data bases".

The application process started on October 1, and will end on October 15, 2007. As of this year application for cargo transport licenses can be done online only and therefore the Ministry is running a number of informational activities as a support for the applicants. These activities include distribution of PSA's in daily media, distribution of information brochures prepared by the e-Gov Project and SOS Help line set within the Ministry of Transport and Communication. To read more about this application visit the e-Gov Applications page or click on this link

Macedonia to Host First Regional eGovernance Workshop - September 25-25, 2007

Government officials from the South East European countries plan on expanding e-government initiatives in the region

The governments of the SEE countries are undertaking a broad task of administrative modernization on their way to EU integration and development of modern market based society. Information and Communication technology (ICT) put to use in sophisticated e-government applications is clearly part of the solution. Given this potential for ICT advances to improve the region's development prospects, the Stability Pact, USAID and USAID's e-Gov Project jointly organized the first eSEE Initiative Workshop on eGovernance at the Aleksandar Palace Hotel in Skopje, Macedonia, on September 25-26. The event brought together over thirty key governmental decision-makers from the region to discuss best practices in the fields of eLeadership, eCustoms, eProcurement, eCommerce, eBiz, and eEducation in order to develop a roadmap for eGovernance implementation in the region.
The e-Gov Project supported by its local counter parts from Macedonian institutions such as the Ministry of Finance, Public Procurement Bureau, Public Revenue Office, Ministry of Transport and Communications, Civil Service Agency and the Customs Office, had a unique opportunity to present and share experience and successes so far of introducing e-government applications in areas of G2G, G2B and G2C. All applications developed within the project were presented on four big screens as well as with printed fact sheets and other info materials.
Mr. Jerker Torngren, Chief of Party of the e-Gov Project in his welcoming speech during the reception hosted by the e-Gov Project sad: "e-Government could also stand for engaged Government, a Government which is engaged and committed to improve its society by using ICT. Last week I participated in the 4th EU Ministerial e-Government Conference, held in Lisbon. It was very encouraging to see what can be done, what is being done, right now, across Europe. To develop new systems is easy. To change the mentality, to have people accepting an electronic version only, was probably by far more difficult. But it could be done thanks to a fully committed Government, the engaged Government".
Mr. Michael Mozur, Deputy Special Co-ordinator of the Stability Pact for South Eastern Europe, notes: "The speakers and discussion leaders at the eGovernance Workshop will include leading US and EU eGovernance experts. Thus, this workshop is a unique and exciting opportunity for high-level governmental decision-makers from all over the region to meet and to pursue eGovernance solutions with international leaders in this field."
Ms. Marcia Wong, the Director of the Economic Growth Office in USAID, adds:"We at USAID see e-Government as much more than modern ICT technology application. For us it represents a fundamental transformation of the Government's manner of operation, in order to create high quality services for citizens, businesses and public administration."
The workshop is a continuation of the activities of the Stability Pact eSEE Working Group and related broadband task force, which seek to integrate the region into the global knowledge-based economy through joint ICT and eGovernance strategies. Key approaches include regional benchmarking, focus on best practices and spurring the transfer of knowledge. The eGovernance workshop will also set the stage for the launch of the eGovernance Center in Slovenia, due to open in the fall of 2007.

This workshop was part the Days of ICT in Macedonia that continued with 5th SEEITA Conference of IT Businesses and Associations on September 27 and MASIT Open Days on September 28. The e-Gov Project supported MASIT in the organization of these events.

Apply Online Upgrade - Thursday July 26, 2007

The existing examination module, application module, registration of candidates and the back office module of the Apply online application were updated and two new modules: module for integration with the existing Learning Management System (LMS) and module for electronic notification, were developed.

The upgrade of the Apply online application will improve the services for the candidates who apply for state administration vacancies and it will improve performances of the CSA employees, who will be given even more modernized tool for conducting the employment procedure.

e-Budgeting - Modernization of the Process

The e-Gov Project and the Ministry of Finance presented the new system for electronic preparation and monitoring of the execution of the Budget of Republic of Macedonia.

During today's promotion of the electronic system to the budget users and media, the Minister of Finance PhD. Trajko Slavevski stressed that "The new software solution for preparation of the Budget is based on the actual needs of the Ministry of Finance and it is already put in function for the preparation of proposed Budget of Republic of Macedonia for 2008. We are expecting that the system will be providing us with significant improvements in the process of planning, creating and use of historical data bases; as well as with increased possibilities for parallel analysis of larger amount of data and preparation of indefinite number of simulations and reports".

This new electronic system will significantly improve the work of the Ministry of Finance. At same time, it will provide to the budget users a modern tool for secure on-line submission of the annual budget requests to the Ministry.

In this context, Mr. Jerker Torngren, e-Gov Chief of Project sad "One of the most frequently asked questions any international donor asks is the following; Will our actions be sustainable? Will our assistance be used and contribute to the development and well-being of the country also after we have left?
I'm personally convinced this e-Budgeting application will be sustainable and used in the long term perspective, to the benefit of the Republic of Macedonia. The dedicated support from the Ministry of Finance demonstrates the determination by the Minister to use modern technology to increase the efficiency of the budgetary process. The application will make the work of the civil servants by far easier and more accurate.
You can download his full speech here

	For the e-Gov Project, the people that are working with us in the partner institutions on development of the applicaions, are always seen as our greatest assets. Therefore, we are finding ways to honour this remarkable individuals who's actions and willingness to change the processes should be example to many others. The US Agency for International Development on the proposal of the e-Gov Project, has awarded Mr. Miroslav Jovanovic and Mr. Stefco Bozinovski, both from the IT Department of the Ministry of Finance, with Certificate of Appreciation. The Certificates were presented personally by Mrs. Patricia Rader, USAID Mission Director.
During the technical part of the presentation on "How to Use the e-Budgeting application" the guests from the budget/ government institutions used their chance to share their thoughts on the system as well as share positive comments for the presented features. More on the e-Budgeting Application

INTERNEWS - Fighting Corruption and Promoting Economic Growth via the Internet

Reforming ICT Policy and Delivering Effective Online Applications in Developing and Transitional Countries

(May 10, 2007) Internews Network and the Center for Democracy and Technology presented a panel discussion at CDT's offices in Washington, DC on May 10 on using the Internet to fight corruption and promote economic growth.

Governments around the world are eager to benefit from e-applications, yet 60-80% of e-government projects in developing countries fail. CDT and Internews have been implementing e-government and Internet policy reform projects in developing and transitional countries for six years. The experts on the panel described how to address policy and user concerns more effectively, based on practical experience. (More information)

The panel featured the following panelists and presentations:

George Sadowsky, Executive Director for the Global Internet Policy Initiative (GIPI), a project of Internews and the Center for Democracy and Technology, and Technical Advisor to the Internews-implemented dot.Gov Project, “E-Government - Successes and Challenges – Delivery of Online Applications - Policy and Content.”

David Sandukhchyan, Country Coordinator for GIPI in Armenia and Director of the Internews Center for Information Law and Policy, “Challenges in Implementing e-Government Solutions and Reforming ICT Policy in Armenia.

Jerker Torngren, Chief of Party for Internews' Macedonia e-Government Project, “Improving Accountability and Transparency through e-Government Applications. (click to access the presentation)

James Dempsey, Policy Director for the Center of Democracy and Technology (CDT), "E-Government Projects and Internet Policy in Developing and Transitional Countries – Lessons Learned."

Signed MoU for Electronic application for "social apartments" - May 4, 2007

Following the successful cooperation between the e-Gov Project and the Ministry of Transport and Communications with the electronic system for distribution of CEMT licenses, is continuing with today's signing of Memorandum of Understanding for application that will support distribution process of the so called "Social Apartments".

"Implementation of this electronic tool is adding to the list of proactive measures for fighting corruption and modernization of the services offered to the citizens and business community," highlighted Minister Mile Janakieski in his speech.

The e-Gov Project Chief of Party Mr. Jerker Torngren, added "From now on all available social apartments will be distributed by an automated electronic system that cannot discriminate between ethnical groups or gender and that cannot be bribed.". (photo: Minister Janakieski and Mr.Torngren at the signign ceremony)

INTERACTIVE MACEDONIA - The work can begin now - Signed Memorandum of Understanding - March 29, 2007

During the official signing ceremony organized at the Government Premises by the Minister of Information Society Mr.Ivo Ivanovski, the Government once again demonstrated their determination to proceed with advanced reforms of the public sector by implementing new e-Government services.

Interactive Macedonia is the most complex application the e-Gov project takes on so far. It is not only the development of software, and that might not even be the most prominent part, but the e-Gov Project has the support by the Government to go through all the related administrative requirements. Together with the USAID Business Environment Activity Project, each individual requirement will be carefully assessed and a number of them simplified for the business community.

"Why do we call this Interactive Macedonia? It is already possible for the business community to get information on line from the State Administration regarding a number of issues. The Interactive Macedonia, however, takes this a step further. These new applications will make it possible for the business community to also process their request on-line and get an electronic reply as well. The process will not only save time. It will be fair. It will be transparent. And without any extra costs to be paid anywhere for the service", stated in his speech Mr. Jerker Torngren e-Gov Project CoP.

Interactive Macedonia shall be developed in two phases. Phase one will work on implementing on-line processes for: distribution of import / export licenses; licenses for transport of goods and passenger; registration of employments. In Phase two the project will work on implementing a on-line process for company registration.

All this processes will increase the efficiency of the institutions included and at same time make the interaction between them and the businesses more efficient, transparent and time/money effective. Successful uptake of Interactive Macedonia will improve the image of Macedonia the soft of project that we hope will convince investors to choose Macedonia as their next destination for doing business.

The event was attended by representatives of USAID, e-Gov Project and as well by Directors of All Government Institutions included, as well as by a number of media representatives.

STUDENT BENEFITS' ON LINE - Signed Memorandum of Understanding - March 5, 2007

Skopje - The e-Gov Project and the Ministry of Education and Science have signed a Memorandum of Understanding for implementation of the electronic application "Student Benefits Online" opening a new way for students to obtain benefits on line.
"These kinds of projects are part of our strategic orientation and we shall stay open to new ideas and initiatives in this field as our strategic goal is producing human resources able to use all the possibilities that today's modern technology provides" stated in his speech Mr.Feuzi Xhaferi, Chief of Cabinet to the Minister of Education and Science.

Implementation of this e-Gov Project initiatives will help in achieving a more efficient and transparent management of the distribution of places in student dormitory, as well of the student grants and credits. This will be a positive example for the student community as well as for the Macedonian public in general. Also, the objective is to initiate the utilization of information and communication technology, to implement the adequate education and provide it throughout the country, to all citizens in equal measure.

e-PROCUREMENT - Let's talk about e-Procurment - Workshop - February 28, 2007

Skopje - The e-Gov Project in close cooperation with the Public Procurement Bureau organized a workshop where all the 12 contracting authorities so far registered and using the e-Procurement system, all represented on highest level .

The Minister of IT Mr. Ivo Ivanovski honored the group and during the meeting he sent a strong message that "the electronic public procurement is considered as a very important application for the Government, especially in their fight against corruption and non transparent behavior of public institutions in spending tax payers money".
The meeting was chaired by the Director of the Public Procurement Bureau Mrs.Mare Bogeva - Micovska during which she presented the activities of the PPB in the field of utilization of electronic procurement, including adaptation of new legislation on public procurement that will heavily support the system. The e-Gov Project CoP Mr.Torngren extended the offer for support by the e-Gov Team working on this application, and encouraged the present Mayors, Directors of public institutions registered to use the e-Procurement system more frequently.

Photo caption: Minister of Information Society Mr. Ivo Ivanovski and
the Director of PPB Mrs. Mare Bogeva Micova - Chairing the Workshop

Infinite Solutions presented the system upgrade and PPB made overview to the most frequent questions and answers.

ACCOUNTABILITY THROUGH TRANSPARENCY - 2nd Workshop, February 14, 2007

The e-Gov Project joined by the representatives of all 11 Partner Municipalities and ZELS attended the first presentation of the software - Accountability through Transparency. The group was very pleased with the final product and eagerly awaiting to have this valuable tool utilized in their Municipalities.

The software will be excellent communication tool between the Citizens, Local Government administration, the Mayor and the City Council. It will improve not just the transparency but also the efficiency having open communication between all parties.
Once we have the software installed, the Municipalities and the e-Gov Project will work closely on a campaign to encourage them ALL to use it.

Accountability Through Transparency - front page outlook

FORMALIZED COOPERATION WITH THE CENTRAL REGISTER

On December 19, 2006 the e-Gov Project signed a Memorandum of Understanding and Cooperation with the Central Register. Both parties agreed to mutually work on developing and implementing software application that will cover online submission and processing of annual accounts, as well as online provision of other services offered by the Central Register. The application will make the work of the Central Register more efficient and transparent, but at the same time it will be of great benefit for the legal entities in Macedonia.

The tender for procurement of the software application will be published by the end of January 2007.

APPLY ON LINE -ONE YEAR EVALUATION

After nearly one year of using the Apply online system, the e-Gov Project conducted second evaluation process, which covered the whole year of practising the system.
The purpose of this evaluation is to identify whether the system is still providing the foreseen benefits for the citizens and the Civil Service Aagency administration; and What is the general impact of the one-year practice of the system.

For more on this you can download PDF of the document here.

MUNICIPALITIES STRIVE FOR TRANSPARENCY, ACCOUNTABILITY, November 2006

The U.S. Government (USG) and ten municipalities sign agreement on the use of new accountability software

The "Accountability through Transparency" software pilot project, which will be implemented by ten municipalities- Resen, Bitola, Shtip, Veles, Kocani, Kavadarci, Gostivar, Gazi Baba, Strumica and City of Skopje - is designed to make it easier to track the work of the government and to foster dialogue between citizens and their municipal councils. Each participating municipality will make available at least one computer for citizens to use to access the "Accountability through Transparency" program, where they will be able to leave comments and ask questions about local government operations.

The project is funded by the American people through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), part of the US mission to Macedonia.

"If citizens don't like a decision made by their elected representatives, they can let them know. With this system, local authorities will know citizens want to hold them accountable for their actions and responsible for their promises," says Jerker Torngren, USAID's e-Gov Project Chief of Party.

Citizens will be able to connect to the web site of the municipality and select the "Accountability through Transparency" section, where they can open a dialogue with the local government administration and municipal council. The municipality administration will check all questions and comments received from citizens, and will ensure that questions are answered.

MACEDONIAN IT EXPERTS COMPLETE U.S. COMPUTER SECURITY TRAINING, November 2006

Fifty nine systems managers and systems architects from various Macedonian government agencies have successfully completed computer security training courses and will receive certificates issued by Georgetown University in Washington, DC. The training was held in Macedonia, carried out by the Alexandria Training Center. It was sponsored by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) East Central European Scholarship Program, and by the e-Gov Project, which is supported by USAID/Macedonia. USAID is part of the U.S. Mission to Macedonia.

"Many agencies in the Macedonian Government are at an early stage in their information technology (IT) development, and even the leaders are only starting to come to grips with security in the total sense, especially as it applies to new systems in many fields, particularly the financial sector," says Jovce Plastinovski, Deputy Chief of Party of the USAID e-Gov Project.

"With the knowledge and skills acquired during the training program the trainees should be able to focus on practical application of IT security and to raise the level of awareness of IT security in general in their institutions."

As a result of the training, the ability of the Macedonian Government to secure the information it stores and transmits between government agencies will be enhanced, as will its ability to deliver services to the public. Increased IT security capacity allows for a greater use of IT which, in turn, can lead to better-managed governmental institutions that are more transparent and efficient.

CONTRACT SIGNED FOR E-LEARNING, 22 September 2006

Semos Multimedia represented by Kire Trajkovski and the e-GOV project Chief of Party Jerker Torgren have officially signed contract for production of e-Learning courses for the Civil Servants Agency (CSA) onFriday, September 22 2006.

The e-Gov Project and CSA will develop and introduce two e-Learning courses. Both are to be used for training of civil servants and at same time used with the candidates preparing to take the general exam, now obligatory in the process of recruiting new civil servants.

The contract was signed in USAID’s e-GOV project office in presence of representatives from the Civil Servants Agency, Mr. Aleksandar Ugrinoski and Vasile Nedelkoski.

Photo: Kire Trajkovski, Semos Multimedia, Aleksandar Ugrinovski, CSA, Mr.Jerker Torngren, e-Gov Project

MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING SIGNED, 15 September 2006

The USAID e-Gov Project together with the Ministry of Transport and Communication will design and implement a software application for electronic issuance of international transport licenses CEMT.

This software application will provide a simple and modern way for the transport companies to apply online for CEMT licenses, as well as automated data processing and issuance of CEMT licenses for the Ministry of Transport and Communication. In this way all corruptions scandals related to CEMT license issuance in the Republic of Macedonia and controversy will be eliminated.

On 15th September, Friday at 11:00 Memorandum of Understanding was signed between USAID/e-Gov Project and Ministry of Transport and Communication. Both parties agreed to cooperate in development of software system for automated processing and granting of CEMT licenses.

Memorandum was signed by Mr. Mile Janakieski, Minister of Transport and Communication and Mr. Jerker Torngren, Chief of Party, USAID/e-Gov Project (photos).
You can download Mr. Torngren speach here.

DRUG SUPPLY TO BE MONITORED BY NEW E-HEALTH SYSTEM July 28, 2006

The USAID e-Gov Project together with the Ministry of Health launched the new IT system designed to monitor the distribution and consumption of prescription drugs. The system is designed to support the Ministry of Health's initiate to introduce new stringent rules concerning the way positive list drugs are made available.

"With the system we will receive reports that outline any irregularities in the way prescriptions are issued and how drugs are prescribed," said Minister Dimov "Equally important will be reports that will help the Ministry to better plan and allocate resources for medication needed in the country."

"This new e-Health application will allow the Ministry of Health to not only improve its management of prescription drugs, ensuring that all those who need medical treatment receive it, it will also eliminate the ability to abuse the public health fund system and reduces the ability to sell illegally unregistered drugs." said Mr. Dick Goldman, USAID Mission Director.

Under the new system every doctor, dentist, pharmacy, health care institution and prescription drug will have their own unique identification number. The newly established registries will be publicly available through the Ministry of Health's website http://registri.zdravstvo.gov.mk.

Among other details, the new electronic system will monitor when drugs are legally released for sale as well as the number of prescriptions issued by individual doctors/specialists. The system also allows online applications to register new drugs as well as receive licenses to import drugs reducing the administrative burden of the Ministry of Health.

LEADERS IN IMPLEMENTING IT SECURITY IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR 2 June 2006

USAID in cooperation with Georgetown University organized Total IT Security Course. The organization of the course was supported by e-Gov Project and Alexandria as training provider.

The e-Gov Project would like to congratulate the following for successfully completing the Total IT Security Course and having passed the Certified Information Systems Security Professional testing program:

Aleksandar Acev - Agency for Electronic Communications, Natasa Odnakozova - Basic Court Skopje 1, Tomislav Stojanov - Customs Office, Viktor Hristov - Customs Office, Goran Stojanovski - Ministry of Education and Science, Genti Ismaili - Ministry of Transport and Telecommun, Martin Tasevski - National Bank of the Republic of Macedonia, Kliment Kocovski, Sector for European Integration, Slobodan Karajovanovic - Statistical Office, Mane Necev - Macedonian Parliament

E-GOV PROJECT PROMOTES IT SOLUTIONS May 16, 2006

E-GOV PROJECT PROMOTES IT SOLUTIONS THAT SAVE TIME, MONEY AND INCREASE TRANSPARENCY

Macedonia's progress in using information technology (IT) to improve efficiency and transparency in government was emphasized in a new exhiibition of IT solutions organized by our project. The exhibit, entitled "e-Gov for a Modern Macedonia," in partnership with Hewlett-Packard and Microsoft.

Prime Minister Vlado Buckovski and U.S. Charg? d'Affaires Paul D. Wohlers officially opened the event in the historic Daut Pasha Hamam.

"Through e-Government, public administration can become more open and transparent, and reinforce democratic participation. Assisted by technology, public administration also has the potential to become more service-oriented, providing personalized and comprehensive services to every citizen, and delivering maximum value to the taxpayers," said Mr. Wohlers.

Our Project has been assisting public institutions in the Republic of Macedonia to increase their efficiency and transparency, and to open new channels for doing business. On display at the exhibition were some of the solutions developed as part of the consolidated package of assistance, including the Apply On-Line system for state jobs; the e-Procurement system; e-Tax Services; the e-Health system, and e-Budgeting.

The corporate partners in the event, Hewlett-Packard and Microsoft, displayed e-Gov solutions developed for Macedonia and other countries. Also on display were digital certificates, which, with assistance provided by the USAID-funded e-Gov project, can now be issued in Macedonia.

FIRST e-PROCUREMENT TENDERS OPENED May 17, 2006

The Municipality of Veles and the City of Skopje this week held their first public opening of tenders using the e-Procurement system https://www.e-nabavki.gov.mk developed with assistance from our project.

Newly-opened bids were made accessible to all potential bidders at the same time, and the evaluations were conducted electronically. While bidders were able to attend the public opening, some choose to view the openings from their own office via the Internet.

Some spontaneous reactions from the bidders in the first tender opening include: "It was efficient and we were pleased to use it. We are also please that through a very clear public opening, transparency in the public procurement process has been improved."

WORKSHOPS ON PRACTICAL SOLUTIONS TO ADDRESSING IT PRIVACY March 2006

March 21-22, 2006: The e-Gov Project organized two workshops entitled "Privacy in the Macedonian and International ICT Environments". Separate sessions were organised for the public sector and private sector giving helpful examples of IT Privacy practices for participants to implement immediately after returning to their offices.

Under the Law on Personal Data Protection all institutions that collect personal data will need to register their databases with the Directorate for Personal Data Protection (DPDP) as well are review internal policies to comply with the new law. Before the workshops, many of the participants were not aware of the new requirements. Both sessions proved to be extremely beneficial as they also functioned as a necessary "match maker" between the DPDP and the public and private sector.

The topics covered include the EU legal framework for data protection, privacy in the context of e-Government and e-Commerce, Macedonian laws in the context of IT privacy and cyber security.

Click on your preferred presentation to download copies of the workshop materials.

- Macedonian legal framework and practice in the field of Personal Data Protection (available in Macedonian only)
Mrs. Marijana Marusic, Director of Directorate for Personal Data Protection

- Macedonian legal framework and practice in the field of security of classified information (English version) (Macedonian version)
Mr. Mile Mickov, Head of Sector within Directorate for Security of Classified Information

- Creating Trust in the Online Environment (available in English only)
Mr. Jim Dempsey, Center for Democracy and Technology

Other reading material

- Implementation of the EU legal framework for data protection, with specific reference to the law on personal data protection of the Republic of Macedonia (English version) (Macedonian version)

- Press Release: U.S. helps Macedonia improve IT privacy (English version) (Macedonian version)