‘Proper PPPs will attract investors’
Published On July 27, 2015 » 1812 Views» By Administrator Times » HOME SLIDE SHOW, SHOWCASE
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By FLAVIOR CHISHALA –

THE British government has said the successful implementation of the Public Private Partnership (PPPs) will help enhance Zambia’s capacity to attract infrastructure investment.
Acting British High Commissioner to Zambia, Sean Melbourne said the successful implementation of PPPs would lead to a more predictable business environment and also attract foreign investment in the country.
“Partnership with the private sector and the use of private finance can bring significant value to complex public infrastructure projects and when well designed, with proper cost appropriate risk allocation and investor protection, public private partnerships can drive essential infrastructure in a context of limited government budget,” he said.
Mr Melbourne said this in Lusaka yesterday during the official opening of a training workshop aimed at focusing on strategies, methods and project structuring techniques for the Government and private sector.
He said PPPs were a powerful tool that could be used to further grow the national economy.
He said the workshop was aimed at increasing knowledge and understanding of the PPPs among the various participants.
Mr Melbourne said the understanding of PPPs was cardinal in helping Government monitor effectively the implementation of various developmental projects.
Mr Melbourne said the British government was pleased to note that the Zambian Government was keen to build institutional capacities so as to secure private sector investment.
He pointed out that infrastructure bottlenecks if not addressed, threatened to slow Zambia’s economic growth.
Mr Melbourne urged Government to use the gains made from the economic growth Zambia was enjoying by investing in infrastructure.
Mr Melbourne also said that Zambia had a track record of infrastructure investment for more than five years now and that investment was an excellent way to use the benefits of growth to lay the foundation for more diversified sustainable future growth.
Mr Melbourne also said the British government was keen to promote United Kingdom (UK)-Zambia trade for the benefit of both countries.
He said Britain would share its expertise in the development and successful implementation of PPPs.
Mr Melbourne said the UK’s department for international development (DFID) was supporting inclusive economic growth and an improved business environment in Zambia through projects to develop agriculture markets and agri-business.
He said his government was also supporting the increase in access to finance and development of small and medium enterprises.
He said the training would increase knowledge and understanding of PPPs, enhance Zambia’s capacity to obtain the investment required for much needed infrastructure projects and to monitor implementation effectively.
Further, the training would lead to more predictable and conducive business environment, which would help Zambia to attract greater UK and foreign investment.
Commerce, Trade and Industry Minister Margaret Mwanakatwe said that Government was focusing on exploring effective ways of partnering with the private sector in order to grow the economy in view of limited resources and increased demand for infrastructure development.
Ms Mwanakatwe said that a review of the PPP projects were very complex arrangements that necessitated capacity development of the public and private sector in areas of finance, risk management, contract management among others.
Ms Mwanakatwe said this in a speech read on her behalf by Commerce, Trade and Industry Permanent Secretary Siazongo Siakalenge.
She said Government would work towards refining and concluding the regulatory framework to guide effective implementation of PPP projects with due consideration to attaining the best value for money in PPPs.

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