WORLD BRIEFS

* BARBADOS

Rawle Eastmond, minister of labour in Barbados, has warned small businesses not to use their size as an excuse for substandard supplies.

According to Nation News, he told a procurement seminar purchasers must ensure they achieve value for money. He also condemned the idea that

* FINLAND

The Oulu region in Finland has signed a euro1 million (£691,201) deal with software provider Basware for an e-procurement system.

It will cover four cities in the area and the local education authority. The system will provide them with the ability to perform electronic competitive bidding, as well as giving cities increased control and efficiency over the procurement process.

* BAHRAIN

The Bahrain government has launched an e-tendering project to cover all government purchasing and improve supplier relationships.

Al Nader IT, VARStreet and Mastek will develop an online system to simplify the tender process and provide more transparency.

All government purchasers will be encouraged to use the system, and suppliers and bidders will be trained to use it, reports Gulf Daily News.

* INDIA

The UK government has launched a UK India Business Council to strengthen trade links.

The £1 million group aims to encourage trade and investment between the two nations, and to help develop meetings between companies from both countries.