Analysing the Influence of UNCAC and G20 Membership on Anti Corruption Measures in Saudi Arabia’s Public Procurement Reforms (2006–2022)

Abstract

With the launch of the Vision 2030 national strategy in 2016, Saudi Arabia made clear to the world that it plans a series of far-reaching social and other reforms, designed to bring it more into line with the international community and to assume a place on the international, as well as regional stage, as a leading nation. This study examines the reforms which were introduced to fight corruption in the domain of public procurement. Establishing a credible anti-corruption agenda and system is a significant area to address in order for the nation to obtain international credibility. The study considers the condition of the Kingdom’s anti-corruption mechanisms prior to 2016, focusing on the General Trade Procurement Law (GTPL) (2006) legislation, and analyses the weaknesses therein. It then turns attention to the reforms made after 2016 and discusses how these have or have not made an impact in terms of aligning the Saudi system more closely with accepted international norms and standards. The reforms are considered in two distinct categories, namely legislative and institutional. Evaluations are made on the basis of the UNCAC principles of transparency, accountability and integrity, and also on the measure to which Saudi reforms reflect internationally recognised best practice. The ways in which the UNCAC convention and the G20 intergovernmental entity might be able to exert their influence are detailed and assessed, using the framework of institutional isomorphism. This considers regulatory, normative and mimetic pressures which can encourage certain behaviours in member states. The study introduces a novel concept to add to the three just mentioned, namely that of soft coercion. This proposes a middle ground between soft and hard power and describes situations where unwritten but recognisable conditions are attached to the award of certain privileges sought by member states. In some cases the Saudi reforms did not completely address all of the issues and recommendations raised in the UNCAC report, but in other cases, the reforms went beyond the obligations that UNCAC imposed. This was found to be largely because of the political will shown by the government to fight corruption and also was due to the influence brought upon it as a member of the G20. The launch of the G20 anti-corruption agenda in 2010 is seen as a turning point, where a strong anti-corruption initiative caught the mood of the government and reforms accelerated. The study used primary sources. 18 semi-structured interviews were conducted with Saudi professionals, all of whom operate in the domain of public procurement, in a range of capacities, and have a professional interest in anti-corruption. To triangulate the information received from these sources, a careful analysis was made of the relevant literature. Recommendations have been made for the direction of future research and lessons have been suggested that could apply to other anti-corruption reform programmes.