Author: The PPP Post

Pakistan’s higher education system faces chronic funding gaps and quality challenges, necessitating innovative solutions. Federal funding has remained stagnant since 2018 at Rs 65 billion, decreasing in dollar terms due to currency depreciation. In contrast, India’s central government allocated approximately $5.6 billion to higher education in 2023-24, supporting world-class institutions like the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). Therefore, adopting India’s approach and leveraging Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) could help Pakistan establish comparable centers of excellence. Lessons from India’s Higher Education System India has shown strong commitment to higher education through substantial public investments. The government…

TAQA Water Solutions has signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with the New Tashkent City Directorate to develop a 65km raw water transmission pipeline and a high-tech water treatment plant. This initiative is TAQA’s second major water infrastructure project in Uzbekistan. Moreover, it aligns with the country’s long-term urban sustainability goals. The project aims to provide sustainable clean water access to approximately 2 million residents in New Tashkent City. Furthermore, it will support the region’s rapid development. As part of this vision, the Tashkent City water development initiative will enhance infrastructure resilience and sustainability. The MoA grants TAQA Water Solutions…

The Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) has signed a Concession Agreement for PPPs in Agro-Processing Facility with a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) formed by Trident Agrocom Exports Private Limited and Man Infraconstruction Limited. This strategic Public-Private Partnership (PPP) project, valued at Rs. 285 Crores, will establish India’s first integrated agro-processing and storage facility at JNPA. The 27-acre facility will be developed under the Design-Build-Finance-Operate-Transfer (DBFOT) model, ensuring efficiency and sustainability. With a capacity to handle 1.2 million tonnes of agricultural commodities annually, this facility will transform India’s agro-trade infrastructure. No Indian port currently has an integrated agro-based processing and storage…

Egypt- In a joint statement, Egypt’s Minister of Finance, Ahmed Kouchouk, and Minister of Environment, Dr. Yasmine Fouad, emphasized their commitment to increasing private sector investments in Egypt Waste-to-Energy projects. Moreover, the ministers highlighted the country’s efforts to transition toward a green economy and attract foreign direct investment (FDI) into sustainable energy initiatives. Additionally, Egypt aims to bolster its waste management sector through public-private partnerships (PPP). The goal is to leverage private expertise and funding to expand these critical projects. Kouchouk stated that Egypt is seeking to implement competitive mechanisms to attract investment. This includes expanding the PPP model and…

China has announced the launch of a $138 billion (1 trillion yuan) government-backed fund to drive advancements in emerging technologies, particularly quantum computing, artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, and renewable energy. Structured as a Public-Private Partnership (PPP), the China PPP Quantum Fund aims to boost China’s global competitiveness by investing in high-risk, long-term projects that will shape the future of technology. This initiative aligns with Beijing’s broader strategy to achieve technological self-sufficiency amid growing trade restrictions and geopolitical tensions. According to Zheng Shanjie, head of the National Development and Reform Commission, this fund will act as a “national venture capital guidance…

The Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones (MODON), in partnership with the National Center for Privatization & PPP (NCP), has launched the Expression of Interest (EOI) for the Dammam Logistics Zone PPP project. This initiative follows a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model under a Design-Build-Finance-Operate-Maintain-Transfer (DBFOMT) contract with a 30-year concession. Covering 850,000 square meters in Dammam 2nd Industrial City, the project will enhance Saudi Arabia’s logistics infrastructure. It will provide modern warehousing, improve supply chains, and integrate industries. The EOI submission deadline is March 9, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. KSA time. Dammam 2nd Industrial City plays a key…

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has taken a major step in wildfire prevention by launching a $75 million public-private partnership (PPP) with Sierra Pacific Industries (SPI). This initiative will construct and maintain 400 miles of fuel breaks across federal and private land in California and Oregon. The project enhances community safety and forest resilience. USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins and Forest Service Chief Randy Moore announced this initiative. It expands the existing 2,200-mile fuel break network, a critical defense against wildfires. The National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) reported that the U.S. faced over 52,000 wildfires in 2024, burning 2.8 million…

Sindh’s Forest & Wildlife Department is launching a large-scale afforestation initiative under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. It covers 34,995 hectares of riverine forest land in Matiari and Jamshoro districts. The goal is to develop afforestation, reforestation, and revegetation (ARR) projects that generate and sell Sindh PPPs carbon credits in international carbon markets. Moreover, the land is divided into three parcels, with separate Request for Proposal (RFP) documents designated as Packages 1, 2, and 3. These packages cover 13,259.6 ha, 11,772.2 ha, and 9,963.2 ha, respectively. The initiative aligns with global carbon reduction goals and Sindh’s environmental sustainability strategy. Consequently,…

The Department of Education (DepEd) has launched the Education Center for AI Research (E-CAIR) to modernize Philippine education. This groundbreaking initiative focuses on AI-powered solutions to enhance teaching, learning, and school management. As the first AI research hub in Philippine education, E-CAIR addresses key challenges faced by educators and students. Moreover, it builds on the efforts of the Center for AI Research (CAIR) introduced in 2024, expanding its mission to boost AI capabilities in the education sector. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s vision for a modernized framework underscores the goal of equipping Filipino students with globally competitive skills. Additionally, DepEd…

In a significant move to combat climate change and improve water security, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $125 million loan to support Uzbekistan’s modernization of its water management systems. The Smart Water Management Uzbekistan initiative focuses on enhancing asset management, boosting service sustainability, and strengthening the national water utility, Joint Stock Company Uzsuvtaminot. Uzbekistan’s water resources face increasing threats from climate change and inefficient usage. The project integrates smart technologies to optimize water use, cut energy consumption, and improve operational efficiency. ADB Country Director for Uzbekistan, Kanokpan Lao-Araya, emphasized, “ADB’s project introduces smart water management systems to…