The government has decided to allow international bidders to take part in domestic tenders to supply transformers for the country's power sector, reports UNB.

The decision was taken at a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Public Purchase held yesterday with Finance Minister AMA Muhith in the chair, said Additional Secretary of the Cabinet Division Nasima Begum while briefing reporters after the meeting.

Earlier, the local companies were allowed to participate in tenders invited by different entities in the power sector.

Nasima Begum said some 40 per cent supply of transformers will be opened for the international companies.

She said this will help decrease the cost of transformers and facilitate more competition among the local and foreign bidders.

Local suppliers have been getting different facilities in doing their business, the additional secretary said.

The Cabinet committee approved a proposal of the Rural Electrification Board (REB) to procure 93,324 units of distribution transformers for Rajshahi, Rangpur, Khulna and Barishal divisions.

A local firm will supply the transformers at a contract value of Tk 548.46 crore.

The committee also approved some other tender proposals of different ministries.