February 22, 2006	Wednesday	Muharram 23, 1427

KARACHI, Feb 21: A spokesman for the Trading Corporation of Pakistan said on Tuesday that the opening of urea tender had been extended on the request of pre-qualified suppliers for want of time due to Muharram and holidays in foreign countries.

The spokesman while commenting on the news item published in a section of press said that the extension was duly notified to all pre-qualified suppliers.

He said that it was incorrect to say that eight out of 13 firms withdrew their tender voluntarily on Monday (February 20). Since the evaluation of technical bids could not be completed till late hours on February 20, it was decided to open the financial bids on February 21. All the bidders were duly informed about this change.

The spokesman further clarified that all tendering procedures were transparent and the TCP had signed an MoU with the Transparency International Pakistan for oversight of all procurements by them to dispel any doubts in this regard.—APP