(Yicai) Feb. 12 -- China has required artificial intelligence to be widely implemented in public bidding and tendering by the end of this year to ensure fair and efficient processes, the latest step in the country's fight against corruption.

AI should start being used to inspect bidding and tender documents, assist with evaluations, identify bid rigging, and in other crucial scenarios in selected Chinese provinces and cities this year, according to a policy document jointly released by the National Development and Reform Commission and seven other government agencies on Feb. 10.

By the end of 2027, the use of AI should be expanded to more bidding and tendering scenarios nationwide, forming practical experience in model training, scenario application, and institutional support to effectively promote the standardized and healthy development of the market.

Using AI in public bidding is a key reform task in the market, Li Chao, a spokesperson for the NDRC, previously said. The technology can automatically identify and ban unreasonable requirements that restrict competition during tendering, detect illegal collusion among bidders in a penetrative manner during bidding, and drive the shift from traditional human-dominated evaluation to "AI-led review with human assistance," Li noted.

The document outlines 20 major AI use scenarios covering the entire transaction process and key management nodes, grouped into six stages: tendering, bidding, bid opening and evaluation, bid awarding, on-site management, and supervision.

It calls for achieving "transparent transactions" in public bidding through AI, standardizing procedures, improving transparency, enhancing the scientific nature of trading, accurately aligning with project demands, and strengthening the penetration and efficiency of supervision.

Implementing the policy will improve bidding efficiency and regulatory oversight, fostering a fair and competitive market environment, Pan Helin, a member of the Information and Communications Economy's expert committee under the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, told Yicai.

Editors: Tang Shihua, Martin Kadiev