Norton Rose Fulbright and the Global Infrastructure Hub (GI Hub), have launched a tool for governments and stakeholders in developing economies to assist in building a pipeline of viable public-private partnership (PPP) infrastructure projects.

Nick Merritt, Global Head of Infrastructure, Mining and Commodities at Norton Rose Fulbright, said: “This is an important project which has seen collaboration from 13 of our offices to bring together insight that we have gained from over 20 years’ experience doing PPP deals around the world.”

“PPP is an effective platform through which critical economic and social infrastructure can be procured and we are delighted to have the opportunity to work with the GI Hub and make a contribution towards the delivery of infrastructure around the world,” he said.

“The overriding issue that governments and private companies face in PPP transactions is the allocation of risk, and how much each party should take on. The tool that we have developed with GI Hub deals with this and provides a useful source of information to assist governments with their understanding of typical PPP risk allocation arrangements,” he added.

The GI Hub is an organization established by the G20 group of nations to foster innovative approaches to global infrastructure development.

The tool forms part of the GI Hub’s G20 commitment to deliver guidance that will enable governments to take projects to market faster and more cost-effectively, and help to address the trillion-dollar infrastructure gap worldwide.

The interactive online tool provides information on the risk allocation between the public and private sectors in PPP transactions, along with related information on measures to mitigate issues and typical government support arrangements.

It includes analysis of 12 types of projects within the transport, energy and water and sanitation sectors and also includes a blog forum in which Norton Rose Fulbright lawyers participate, allowing for further insight and discussion.

The primary focus is on those countries with limited or no prior experience of PPPs but is aimed at members and non-members of the G20, that wish to develop a program of PPP transactions to support the development and procurement of infrastructure.

Mark Moseley, GI Hub Senior Director, Legal Frameworks and Procurement Policy, said: “Risk allocation is at the center of every PPP project. The tool which Norton Rose Fulbright has developed will help governments – especially those in emerging markets – design infrastructure projects which can successfully deliver high-quality infrastructure services which meet public needs.”