Revision of PPP policy in final phase

KATHMANDU:

The preparation of the amended version of the Public Private Partnership (PPP) policy has reached the final phase. The preliminary draft of the policy was developed with the adoption of a scientific method for the operation of large development projects.

The preliminary draft copy of the policy developed by the Deloitte Company with the support of Asian Development Bank and under the leadership of Finance Ministry has been already presented before the Ministry. The draft stresses on accelerating the big infrastructure and hydropower projects moving ahead at a snail's pace and revising the BOOT policy.

The preliminary draft has proposed establishing a PPP center under the National Planning Commission and bearing the cost for carrying out feasibility study for the development project by the government itself instead of the partner company.

The Center will select the private sector for partnership and motivate them. The final draft of the policy is being developed and the Ministry is preparing to hold discussions on it, according to the Ministry Joint-Secretary Sishir Dhungana.

The draft will be submitted to the government for an approval after holding interactions with the bodies concerned, he said. The policy (revised) is expected to address weaknesses in the BOOT policy. The government in the latest budget announced to update and improve many policies and as per the same announcement the various ministries are busy in carrying out changes in their policies.

Source: THT