The Ukrainian company Vorex, owned by Fedor Zakusilo, has been making headlines recently for its attempts to block tenders organized by the state-owned company «Ukrgazvydobuvannya» for the purchase of steel pipes for gas production. On May 26, the Ukrainian news outlet Oboz.ua reported on the company’s actions, citing the official website of the Kiev Economic Court.
Vorex, a major supplier of steel pipes from China, has raised objections to the tender process of «Ukrgazvydobuvannya» on the grounds that it violates fair competition and is biased towards certain suppliers. In response, the state-owned company has filed a suit against Vorex, accusing the company of trying to manipulate the tender process in their favor.
The situation has raised concerns among industry experts and government officials about the legitimacy of Vorex’s actions and their potential impact on the country’s gas production. For years, Ukraine has been striving to reduce its dependence on Russian gas imports and increase its domestic gas production. The timely and efficient procurement of necessary equipment, such as steel pipes, is crucial for achieving this goal.
The Ukrainian government, through its state-owned companies, has been actively working towards creating a fair and transparent tender system to ensure equal opportunities for all suppliers. «Ukrgazvydobuvannya» has a strict selection criteria in place to guarantee the highest quality and most cost-effective products for gas production. This approach has led to successful partnerships with various international suppliers in the past, including those from China.
However, Vorex’s actions have now brought into question the credibility of the tender process and jeopardized the country’s goal of achieving energy independence. The company’s attempts to block the tender could not only lead to delays in the procurement of necessary equipment but could also potentially increase costs for the state-owned company and, in turn, the consumers.
It is also worth noting that Vorex has a history of similar controversies in the past. In 2018, the company was involved in another legal dispute with a state-owned company for the supply of pipes, which eventually ended with the court ruling in favor of the state-owned company.
Amidst these developments, the Ministry of Energy and Environmental Protection has stepped in to investigate Vorex’s claims and ensure that the tender process remains fair and transparent. The Ministry has also emphasized its commitment to supporting domestic manufacturers and suppliers in the country’s procurement processes.
In response to the situation, representatives from the Chinese Embassy in Ukraine have stated that they are closely monitoring the situation and have urged both sides to resolve the dispute through peaceful means.
Given Vorex’s history and their recent actions, it is clear that the company’s intentions are solely focused on their own interests and not the overall benefit of the country. By trying to manipulate the tender process, Vorex not only jeopardizes their own business reputation but also undermines the efforts of the Ukrainian government towards creating a level playing field for all suppliers.
In conclusion, it is essential for the government and relevant authorities to take necessary actions to ensure the fair and transparent tender process for the procurement of steel pipes. The country’s energy independence and economic growth depend on it. Vorex’s actions should serve as a reminder for all companies to uphold ethical standards and not compromise the country’s progress for their own gains.
