Islamic Development Bank kicks off its first PPP forum in Riyadh

The Islamic Development Bank (IDB) Group launched its first public-private partnership (PPP) forum today in Riyadh, where 300 policy makers and business gurus will gather to discuss the benefits of PPPs in IDB member nations.

Several speakers from member countries will be attending, including economists and representatives of international institutions.

“With the world economy undergoing accelerated change and many of our member countries experiencing the decline of oil prices, PPPs are becoming more valuable and more popular in realizing the massive infrastructure projects that are vital to the social and economic development of our Member Countries,” said Bandar Hajjar, President of the IsDB Group.

“The PPP Forum will present formal sessions on specific aspects of PPPs while allowing participants to meet on the sidelines and discuss topics of mutual interest.”

The forum’s second session will focus on how Saudi Arabia is using the PPP model to support its economic diversification as part of the Vision 2030 reform program.

The final session addresses the infrastructure needs of IDB member countries and how PPPs can benefit such goals. It will also discuss the major advantages of PPPs over traditional public financing models and the main challenges in IDB member nations that keep them from reaping the benefits of PPPs.