Supplementary Proceeding SCAEF conference.pdf - Society Of ...

4 - SM
TCDPAP & FIDIC/ASPAC International Conference 2009, Kathmandu, Nepal
ADB/SCAEF SEMINAR ON DEVELOPMENT OF NATIONAL CONSULTANTS
2. Support by ADB
As stated above, ADB, under its regular programme, has been conducting seminars for Development of
Domestic Consultancy in Nepal. These programmes were mostly focused on disseminating information on
the guidelines of ADB for selection of consultants, and to guide them on preparing responsive technical
and financial proposals. The Nepalese consulting firms under SCAEF are well aware on the provisions of
ADB for selection of consultants, and the requirements for preparing responsive technical and financial
proposals. Thus, on request of SCAEF, ADB since its last two seminars has kindly shifted the focus and
content of seminars from the above-said towards more pertinent issues related with the development of
consulting industry in Nepal. Accordingly, in these seminars, SCAEF could receive opportunity to present
working papers on various aspects related to the development of Nepalese consulting industry. The
papers were based on the analysis of current strength and weaknesses of the industry identified through
SWOT Analysis. Gaps observed in the approach of the industry, government, donor agencies, as well
as individual consultants hindering for development of the industry were also presented, along with
suggestions to rectify them. The seminars have been one of the most encouraging and successful for
achieving the goals of SCAEF. The impacts of these were immediately translated into further action, as
the issues were again presented exclusively to the staff of ADB at the NRM Office.
Since then, a mechanism has been established with kind support of ADB where, regular review meetings
were held between SCAEF and ADB in quarterly basis to discuss issues of concerns. Positive results of
such interactions were visible when ADB changed its decision to involve institutions against individual
experts in the ADB funded Rural Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Sector Project (RRRSDP), which was
an encouraging support by the Bank towards the industry. Nevertheless, SCAEF is again concerned as
the Government and ADB, in recent times, have again started to hire individual consultants, which is
a dangerous sign as it is directly related to the survival of consulting firms and the industry. SCAEF is
convinced that through hiring of individual consultants might expedite the selection process by few
months, their level of output, commitments and accountability are not as that of an established and
responsible consulting firm and this fact has already been realized. Thus, we hope that the government
and ADB will address this matter with due seriousness and concern.
In short, these seminars organized by ADB, and the opportunities that it is making available for SCAEF to
put forward its concerns and suggestions have brought large benefit for the industry. In fact the Consulting
Industry Development Act now under preparation through ADB TA is one of the major outcomes of the last
two seminars. SCAEF is also equally grateful to Government of Nepal, Ministry of Physical Planning and
Works for their full support in the implementation of TA for formulation of the Act.
3. Some Suggestions on Consultancy Development Act
There are ample material, issues and problems identified and appropriate solutions suggested in the past
by SCAEF and other concerned agencies, which remain vital. There is a large pool of similar materials
documented while interacting with ADB in the regular meetings. We have the results of SWOT Analysis,
identification of issues, responsible agencies (the Client, donor agencies, consultants, contractors, NGO/
INGOs etc.) identified to address these issues. We have been informed by the General Secretary of CDC,
Making Globalization Work: The Role of Consultants