Smolensk Region to use Interfax digital solutions to improve economic policy, combat fraud and abuse in procurement sector

MOSCOW. Feb 2 (Interfax) - The Smolensk Region government and Interfax Group have signed a cooperation agreement on improving the efficiency of using modern digital solutions.

Smolensk Region Governor Vasily Anokhin and Interfax Group CEO Alexei Gorshkov signed the document in Moscow.

As noted in the agreement, the parties will cooperate in the area of economic security and compliance, actively using IT solutions to prevent fraud and combat corruption and abuses in procurement, identify conflicts of interest when working with counterparties and personnel, as well as analyze risks and automate control procedures.

The agreement also envisages utilizing modern digital solutions to create an economic profile of the region in comparison with other comparable entities, identify potential leaders in regional business, and provide them with timely and relevant support measures.

A separate area of cooperation will be the automated processing of data to improve the economic policy of the region, assess risks, and prevent violations in the spending of budget funds.

The document envisages the expert participation of Interfax Group in the digital projects of the Smolensk regional government, including utilizing information and analytical systems such as SPARK, SCAN, Marker, and others.

"We have been actively cooperating with Interfax on the digital agenda for several years and have been able to assess the effectiveness of a number of the information services, particularly the SPARK system," Anokhin said at the signing ceremony.

"Digital transformation is becoming a key factor that can ensure qualitative improvement in government and municipal management amid the rapid development of technologies. Ensuring the efficient use of budget funds, attracting reliable contractors, and improving the investment attractiveness of the region are among our priority tasks. I am confident that a competent, comprehensive approach to solving these tasks will yield results and contribute to the development of the region's economy and the social well-being of its citizens," he emphasized.

"Interfax products are actively used for risk assessment, selecting economic partners, and preventing violations of legislation in procurement activities," Gorshkov said. "We hope that the signed agreement will contribute to the successful implementation of the Smolensk region government's plans to introduce modern IT solutions into the daily work of economic entities in the region," he said.