|                                                                                                                                                             |  | MOLDOVA PUBLISHES TELECOM DECREE                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                
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|**BISNISHome PageSearchBISNISEmbassyReportsCountryReportsIndustryReportsPublicationsSourcesof FinanceLeadsand EventsExchangeRatesState ExportsOtherSources** |  | December 1997/January 1998by Valenntina DavidThe final version of the Moldovan Government's plan to privatize Moldtelecom, the country's
state telecommunications monopoly, has been published in the government's official gazette.  The
plan involves a two-part tender process intended to ensure that only international
telecommunications operators which can contribute the required financial resources and technical
and commercial expertise are admitted as potential bidders.  The entire process is intended to be
transparent, with offers to be evaluated according to clear, pre-established rules.The tender will be conducted in two phases.  In phase one, potential investors will be invited to
establish their credentials as telecommunications operators by demonstrating:network development and operational experience;the ability to install international-standard information management and accounting
systems;adequate financial resources;the ability to protect Moldtelecom's international telecommunications revenues; andtechnical expertise and commercial success.During this phase, potential investors will be required to make indicative bids and present so-called "preliminary documentation," including a draft corporate charter and founding agreement.
The indicative bids of the short-listed bidders will be published at the end of phase one.The Moldovan Government will use a weighted scoring system to evaluate bids received in phase
one.  The indicative price offered will account for 50 points out of a possible 100, with the highest
price offer receiving 50 points.  Credentials such as professional qualifications and proficiency will
account for a maximum of 30 points.  The bidder's proposed business plan, including its
willingness to transfer operational and commercial know-how and its program for developing
human resources and maintaining employment, will account for 20 points.A short list of bidders will be invited to take part in the second and final phase of the tender. 
During this phase, qualified bidders will be invited to make final and binding bids, based on their
final documentation.  The winner will be selected on the basis of the highest price bid and the final
business plan.  A maximum of 90 points out of a possible 100 will be awarded for the final price
offered, and a maximum of 10 points will be awarded for the bidder's proposed business plan.In the event that an adequate distinction cannot be made between two final bids, the Moldovan
Government reserves the right to negotiate simultaneously with two bidders or bidding groups.
The final decision will be made by the Government of Moldova, which reserves the right not to
accept any final bid in the event that none proves satisfactory. For more information on the
Moldtelecom privatization tender, visit BISNIS Online at
www.mac.doc.gov/bisnis/isa/971024md.htm.Valenntina David is with the American Embassy in Chisinau.This report is provided courtesy of the Business Information Service for the Newly
Independent States (BISNIS)