Led by Ryuichi Kage and Amir J Qari of the ADB, the interaction
session highlighted how the ADB established a dedicated Office of
Public-Private Partnership (OPPP) to support and enable governments to
secure greater private investment and generate economic growth in the
region.
Introducing the topic, Mr. Surendra Shrestha, Vice President for
Resource Development, AIT, remarked that most capital flow is now
emerging from the private sector. Dr. Bindu Lohani, former ADB Vice
President mentioned the role played by both AIT and ADB in the
development of the Asia-Pacific region. Dr. Subin Pinkayan, Chairman,
AIT Board of Trustees recalled that long before the term had acquired
prominence, he had led a PPP-based hydropower project in Laos. Dr.
Subin added that AIT can provide a linkage between its alumni and OPPP,
and that it can serve as a neutral platform for development activities.
AIT President Prof. Worsak Kanok-Nukulchai welcomed the ADB team to
AIT, and spoke about the future role of AIT and its interaction with
the private sector.
Addressing the session, Amir J Qari elaborated on the key challenges
being faced by PPP in the Asia Pacific region. Weak enabling
environment, lack of sustained commitment, weakness in legal and
regulatory framework, and weak institutional framework are key
challenges, he remarked. ADB aims to create more access to lending,
private sector financing, technical assistance, and transaction
advisory services to enable private sector participation in
infrastructure, he added.
