Author: By The PPP Post

India- India is set to boost its e-commerce exports by establishing public-private partnership (PPP) hubs, following successful models seen in Southeast Asian countries. This initiative, announced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman during the Union Budget presentation, aims to address current disruptions in Indian goods exports caused by global events like the Russia-Ukraine war, the Red Sea crisis, and trade tensions between the US and China. These e-commerce export hubs will provide a seamless regulatory and logistic framework to facilitate trade and export-related services under one roof. They are designed to enable Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and traditional artisans…

Saudia Arabia- The Riyadh Metro project, a significant venture in Saudi Arabia’s capital, is nearing its launch, expected in December 2024. Managed by the Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC), this $27 billion project is the largest transit investment in the Kingdom. It aims to transform urban transport and reduce the heavy traffic in Riyadh, where private vehicles dominate 90% of journeys. Covering 176.5 kilometers with 84 stations and seven rail depots, the metro will be the backbone of Riyadh’s public transportation. Initially, it will handle 1.2 million passengers daily, expandable to 3.6 million. The network includes six lines that…

Iraq- The country is taking a major step to modernize its infrastructure by inviting international private sector companies to bid on the expansion and operation of Baghdad International Airport. This initiative comes after years of neglect in a country scarred by conflict and is part of a broader strategy to enhance public services and attract foreign investment. In September, the Iraqi government signed an agreement with the World Bank’s International Finance Corporation (IFC) to oversee this ambitious project. The tender process is a two-stage public tender aimed at selecting a private partner to rehabilitate, expand, finance, operate, and maintain the…

UK- The seaside town of Worthing in West Sussex has embarked on an ambitious journey to reduce its carbon footprint with the launch of the Worthing Heat Network. This project aims to provide climate-friendly heating to every building in the town by 2050, supported by an investment of up to £500 million from Hemiko, a renowned heat network investor, developer, and operator. This initiative is a beacon of positive climate action, especially at a time when 68% of local authorities express doubts about meeting their Net Zero targets, according to the Local Government Association. Worthing Borough Council identified the Worthing…

USA- In a landmark decision, the Prince George’s County Council has approved an $850 million public-private partnership (P3) to construct eight new schools, setting the stage for a significant upgrade in the county’s educational infrastructure. This ambitious P3 contract will expedite the development of six new elementary schools and two K-8 schools, addressing urgent needs for modern educational facilities. Funding for this project comes from the state, ensuring that the county can swiftly move forward with its plans. The construction is slated to kick off next month, pending final approval from a state commission meeting next week. This pivotal P3…

Oman- In Oman’s water sector, Nama Power and Water Procurement Company (Nama PWP) has secured a significant contract worth RO 125 million (about $325 million) for constructing the Ghubrah 3 desalination plant. Set to become the largest desalination facility in Oman, this project will significantly enhance the nation’s water security and infrastructure sustainability. The Ghubrah 3 desalination plant, which will begin operations in the first quarter of 2027, is designed to produce 300,000 cubic meters of potable water daily. The facility spans an impressive 70.4 thousand square meters and includes a 45,000 cubic meter potable water reservoir, highlighting the project’s…

Italy- The modernization of the 178 km Palermo-Catania railway line is set to transform travel in Sicily by drastically cutting journey times and boosting regional connectivity. The European Investment Bank (EIB) has approved a massive €2.1 billion project, which includes a direct €800 million loan to the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) and a €1.3 billion innovative counter-guarantee. This counter-guarantee, created with Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane, supports financial intermediaries, with €500 million allocated to Intesa Sanpaolo and €300 million to CDP, leaving €500 million to be allocated later. This project’s financial structure is a first for Italy’s infrastructure sector.…

Egypt- Cairo-based Talaat Moustafa Group (TMG) is embarking on a groundbreaking $21 billion investment to develop a premier tourism project on Egypt’s Mediterranean coast. Named SouthMed, this ambitious development is set to rival Europe’s most luxurious destinations, sprawling across 23 million square meters. CEO Hisham Talaat Moustafa announced that the project is expected to generate sales of $35 billion. Impressively, TMG reported initial bookings worth EGP 60 billion ($1.25 billion) within just 12 hours of pre-launch sales. SouthMed is designed to compete with the famed beach destinations of southern France, Italy, Spain, and Greece. The Egyptian government is strategically focusing…

Sri Lanka- MAS Holdings, an apparel-tech conglomerate, has secured Cabinet approval to create Sri Lanka’s first and largest Public Private Partnership (PPP) focused on supporting the nation’s future Olympians. The MAS Athlete Training Academy, which will officially launch in July, signifies a major investment in the country’s athletic future. With an investment surpassing Rs. 550 million ($1.8 million), the academy’s goal is to identify, develop, and support promising young athletes to represent Sri Lanka at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and the 2032 Brisbane Olympics. This comprehensive eight-year program will offer focused training, world-class athletic gear, international exposure, and nutritional…

United Arab Emirates- The UAE Ministry of Finance recently announced that the UAE Cabinet has approved a comprehensive manual on Public-Private Partnerships (PPP). This initiative aims to streamline the implementation of joint projects between federal government entities and the private sector, as part of the UAE’s broader efforts to stimulate investment and enhance economic growth through strategic collaborations. The newly approved PPP manual provides a clear policy and procedural framework for federal entities. It outlines guidelines for designing, planning, and implementing partnership projects, ensuring transparency and clarity for all parties involved. By defining roles and responsibilities, the manual fosters a…