During today's Parliament sitting, MP Bay Yam Keng asked how government procurement guidelines did not discriminate between local and foreign suppliers, government-linked companies and small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

In response, Minister of State for Finance and Transport Josephine Teo said that SMEs win two in three government contracts valued below $100,000, and about 20 per cent of all government contracts.

Mrs Teo said the procurement regime was an open one which showed transparency, fairness and value for money.

In addition, small suppliers need to collaborate with others or form a consortium for larger tenders.

hteoh@sph.com.sg