Latvian entrepreneurs can take part in tenders announced within UN stabilisation mission in Haiti [04 Feb 2010]

Information for businesses regarding opportunities to co-operate with the United Nations Organisation and to render assistance in dealing with the aftermaths of the earthquake is published on the UN website (further information at http://business.un.org/en).

To companies, the co-operation with the UN opens up new opportunities for professional growth, accumulating unique experience, broadening markets and the scope of customers. This section of the website, however, does not directly offer a possibility to sell goods and services to the UN. Special web-pages (see below) have been designed for companies interested to engage in partnerships with the UN. These sites provide complete information on all procurement opportunities.

The UN, being the leading co-ordinator in humanitarian crises, currently carries out a needs assessment and prepares specific requests for assistance. The Latvian entrepreneurs, too, have a possibility to take part in tenders for the procurement of commodities and services. The said tenders are announced on the official UN website (information provided also in Russian).  

Based on the emergency relief needs assessment, a tender is announced for support to the UN Stabilisation Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH). 

More UN tenders are expected, when Haiti enters a reconstruction phase.

To become a potential supplier for the UN procurements, a company's registration in the official UN list of suppliers - the United Nations Global Marketplace is MANDATORY.

The UNGM database follows the one stop principle, where a respective candidate can indicate its profile, estimated contract award, target region (e.g. geographical location), etc. Officially registered potential vendors are sent invitations to tender in line with their profile.

International assistance to Haiti in response to consequences of earthquake

On 12 January 2010, Haiti was struck by a 7.3 magnitude earthquake which devastated 90% of the capital Port-au-Prince, and destroyed practically the whole infrastructure, including government buildings.

In emergency response, countries and international organisations have contributed a total of about 2.2. billion USD.

Support from the European Union 

In response to the earthquake in Haiti, the EU's humanitarian assistance as of 29 January amounts to a total of �¬212 million. The European Commission's own emergency relief package is worth �¬30 million (including �¬3 million in fast track funds allocated less than 24 hours after the earthquake struck,  �¬8 million of ongoing projects in Haiti being redirected, and �¬19 million Emergency Decision to be adopted in the coming days.

In addition to the EU humanitarian aid, individual Member States provided assistance to Haiti by dispatching 12 urban search and rescue teams (around 440 people and search dogs), deploying two field hospitals, five advanced medical post, 38 medical teams and six water sanitation units, as well as other emergency relief. 

In view of the complicated humanitarian situation, immediate priorities are tents (around 30% of people are currently provided with tents), food, water, hygiene and medical supplies, etc. To enable the planning of support for early reconstruction and rebuilding of infrastructure, the European Commission is to deploy an assessment mission in Haiti beginning February.

A regular information update on Haiti is available on EC website.

Support from Latvia

On 18 January, the Government of Latvia decided on the allocation of �¬15 000 emergency aid to Haiti. The funding was paid to the UN United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund which coordinates financial assistance to Haiti.

Residents of Latvia have a possibility to provide individual support to those affected by the earthquake in Haiti through the Red Cross of Latvia who has opened a donations account: The Red Cross of Latvia, AS Svedbanka, HABALV22, account no LV28HABA0140J04577004 (specify - Haiti) or by calling the donations telephone: 90006880 (donate 1 LVL by one call).

 

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