Governments pursue PPP programs for different reasons. Some countries begin using PPPs in a particular sector, simply as a way to meet investment needs given fiscal constraints. For example, PPPs were first used in South Africa in the roads sector, with the specific objective of building more highways. In the Philippines, many of the first PPPs were in the power sector, where the state-owned power company contracted with Independent Power Producers to solve a power crisis. In both cases, the use of PPPs subsequently extended into other sectors.
Many governments define broader PPP program objectives when formulating and documenting PPP policies. The choice and relative priority of these objectives depends on the government's other policies and priorities. They can include:
• Enabling more investment in infrastructure, by accessing private finance
• Achieving value for money in the provision of infrastructure and public services
• Improving accountability in the provision of infrastructure and public services
• Harnessing private sector innovation and efficiency
• Stimulating growth and development in the country.
Table 2.1 provides examples of clear statements of PPP program objectives drawn from the relevant country's PPP policy statement or law.
Table 2.1: Example PPP Program Objectives
Country | Reference | PPP Objectives |
Australia | National PPP Policy Framework (2008) [#13, page 3] | Describes the aim of PPPs as being 'to deliver improved services and better value for money, primarily through appropriate risk transfer, encouraging innovation, greater asset utilization and an integrated whole-of-life management, underpinned by private financing' |
Indonesia | Regulation of Government Cooperation with Business Entity in the Supply of Infrastructure (2005) [#148, Chapter II Article 3] | The purpose of 'cooperation of government and the private sector' (through PPPs) is set out as follows: • To fulfill sustainable funding requirements in the supply of infrastructure through mobilization of private sector funds • To improve the quantity, quality and efficiency of services through healthy competition • To improve the quality of management and maintenance in the supply of infrastructure • To encourage the use of the principle where users pay for services received; or in certain cases the paying ability of the users shall be taken into consideration. |
São Paulo (Brazil) | Law 11688 (2004) [#37, Article 1] | States that the objective of the PPP program is to 'promote, coordinate, regulate, and audit the activities of the private sector agents who, as collaborators, participate in the implementation of public policies aimed at the development of the state and the collective wellbeing' |
México | PPP Law (Ley de Asociaciones Publico Privadas, 2012) [#185, Article 1] | States that the objective of the PPP program is to increase social wellbeing, and investment levels in the country |