S. Korea discusses AI-powered procurement with Asian partners

SEOUL, Oct. 6 (Yonhap) -- The South Korean Public Procurement Service (PPS) engaged in discussions on AI-powered procurement systems with Asian partners during a global conference in Bhutan, the agency announced on Tuesday. The PPS took part in the 11th Asia Pacific Public Electronic Procurement Network conference, held in Thimphu, Bhutan, on Monday.

At the event, the PPS shared Korea's strategy for developing AI and data-driven intelligent procurement. The conference, organized by Bhutan and the Asian Development Bank (ADB), convened representatives from around 40 countries across the Asia-Pacific region to explore methods of enhancing e-procurement systems through AI and data utilization.

The participants deliberated on promoting eco-friendly and socially responsible procurement practices, according to the procurement agency. Kang Sung-min, vice administrator of the agency, emphasized the necessity of intelligent procurement in his keynote address. He stressed that as technology progresses, procurement officials must possess the skills to make impartial and transparent decisions.

The PPS intends to collaborate closely with the ADB and member countries in three areas: intelligent e-procurement, sustainable procurement, and enhancing expertise, to aid the growth of public procurement throughout the Asia-Pacific region, the official concluded.