ADVANCE AID JOINS FORCES WITH IPA FOR AFRICAN PROCUREMENT
LONDON – January 24, 2011 – Advance Aid is delighted to announce that it has joined forces with procurement specialist International Procurement Agency BV (IPA) to provide international aid agencies with African-manufactured goods that can be pre-positioned in Africa and will be ready to be used when emergencies strike the continent.
IPA is expert in identifying suitable manufacturers and running both open and closed tenders to ensure that the best value-for-money is gained for the purchaser. IPA and Advance Aid are working together to draw up specific tendering criteria that support Advance Aid’s mission of local manufacture and pre-positioning of non-food items for emergencies. Amongst these criteria, along with the more standard price and quality, will be proximity to the warehouses where the goods will be stored and Human Development Index (HDI) ranking of the country where the goods are manufactured.
“We are very excited to be partnering with IPA,” says David Dickie, chief executive of Advance Aid, “as they share our passion for developing manufacturing and jobs in Africa. Our mission is significantly strengthened by adding their knowledge and expertise to the mix and we are looking forward to working with them.”
“This partnership allows us to utilise the potential of the African Continent,” says Bob Vlietstra, Director of IPA BV. “Through our infrastructure in Africa, IPA is in the position to identify and contract potential local suppliers and manufacturers meeting the requirements for supplies and logistics, unlocking access to the international supply market for the local industry and increasing the quality aspects of local and regional manufacturing.
“Entering into this partnership connects well with IPA’s continuous Corporate Social Responsibility policy and fully supports Advance Aid’s mission.”
