OECD released its methodology for assessment of national procurement systems on July 17, 2006. This tool is intended to provide a common method by which developing countries and donors can assess the quality and effectiveness of national procurement systems. It meets the goal of Indicator 2--to ensure reliable procurement systems in partner countries--adopted by the Paris Declaration for Aid Effectiveness. Increasing the effectiveness, efficiency and transparency of public procurement systems is an on-going concern of governments and of the international development community. All have recognised that increasing the effectiveness of the use of public funds, including funds provided through official development assistance (ODA), requires the existence of an adequate national procurement system that meets international standards and that operates as intended. The methodology and the tool have capacity development as a core objective; progress is dependent upon country ownership and commitment by donors and partner countries to implementing the development program. During the coming years between now and the next High Level Forum on Aid Effectiveness to be held in Ghana in 2008, the tool and the methodology will be tested at country level. The results of these field tests and the lessons learned from these experiences will be fed back to improve and refine the tool and the methodology.