MUSCAT: All ministries and government units must get approval from the Ministry of Finance in order to float/award any tenders or assigning business to any companies and contractors or even issuing letters of good intent (LOIs), The Arabian Stories has learnt.

In a circular issued by the Ministry of Finance on September 9, ministries and government units should not engage in implementing any government projects without its approval.

“No operation orders or letters of good intent shall be issued to engage companies or establishments to carry out government projects or offer supply tasks or services unless prior approval has been obtained from the Ministry of Finance. Only after obtaining approval shall the Ministry of Finance be approached for financial ratification procedures,” the circular stated.

The decision from the finance ministry is part of reducing the expenditure and controlling the government spendings in the wake of coronavirus pandemic that has impacted the economy.

The finance ministry also directed government units to provide its Treasury Department with detailed statements of all sums expected to be disbursed (whether on current, capital or developmental budget) within the cash liquidity approved for each department on a quarterly basis.

“The Ministry will continue to advise ministries and government units to rearrange their spending priorities in a manner that conforms with available financial resources,” the circular added.