After a thorough consultation, GoB adopts first-ever PPP framework
Syed Ali Shah :
QUETTA: After a thorough consultation, the Government of Balochistan adopted the first-ever Public-Private Partnership framework to put the province on the path of sustainable development. The provincial government organized a function at a local hotel on the eve of the formal launching of the PPP framework.
“The enactment of the PPP framework would encourage private sector participation and investment in the province”, Mir Zahoor Buledi, the Balochistan Planning and Development (P&D) Minister told the inaugural session.
The participants of the session thoroughly discussed the province’s untapped natural resources and new vistas of development on the occasion. Almost all stakeholders participated in the session to discuss all ways and means to attract foreign and national investment in Balochistan, which is rich in mineral and natural resources.
“Significant investment opportunities for the private sector in Balochistan”, Mr. Buledi
“Significant investment opportunities for the private sector in Balochistan”, Mr. Buledi mentioned. The Minister assured that all investors would be provided a conducive atmosphere for investment in Balochistan.
Despite all odds, the Managing Director of the PPP Unit Dr. Noor Muhammad, Director Strategic Planning and Reforms Cell (SPRC), Rafiullah Kakar, Mr. Faraz A. Syed of the P&D Department ensured the preparation of the framework. Whereas, the Governance and Policy Project of the World Bank extended technical and financial support in this regard. Mahvish, the GPP’s communication specialist also spoke about the importance of the PPP framework.
“Government will provide all possible support to investors in the province”, Mathar Niaz Rana
“Government will provide all possible support to investors in the province”, Mathar Niaz Rana, the Chief Secretary Balochistan assured the audience of the session. Mr. Rana reiterated that the present government was committed to encouraging the PPP framework.
The Additional Chief Secretary (Development) Hafiz Abdul Basit termed the launching of the PPP framework as an important initiative for encouraging investment in the province. He said all government officers, employees made hectic efforts to make sure timely preparation of the framework.
The new PPP framework entails the provision of administrative, financial, and in-kind support to private parties for the implementation of a project on PPP mode in the province. Notable measures of support include the establishment of a ‘Viability Gap Fund’, the right to use government land or infrastructure, expedited provision of utilities, exemption from provincial taxes, and provision of provincial guarantees in case of big projects. The framework also provides a mechanism for the resolution of disputes as per the legal framework in Pakistan. Lastly, the GoB has allowed private parties to initiate, prepare and submit proposals for review and implementation under PPP mode, known as ‘unsolicited proposals’.
It may be mentioned here that the Balochistan cabinet had approved the PPP framework, which was later adopted by the Balochistan Assembly.
