Meeting on develpoment of PPP projects in the Baltic States
On 29th January 2009, the Ministry of Economics of the Republic of Latvia in cooperation with the PPP Association organized a meeting on development of PPP projects in the Baltic States.
The main goal of this meeting was to find out current situation in Baltic States on PPP, advantages and deficient of PPP projects in realization process and also development plans of PPP projects in the future. Another reason for organizing this meeting was the fact, that there is interest about all three Baltic States in PPP international conferences.
As mentioned by State secretary of the Ministry of Economics of the Republic of Latvia Mr. Anrijs Matiss: “Baltic States need to promote cooperation on development of PPP projects, because each country is too small in European and Global context”. He also added that it would be useful if cooperation between Baltic States on exchange of experience on PPP will be more intensive.
Each country for approximately one hour shared the experience of implementation of current and planned PPP projects as well as legal regulation of PPP. 35 participants from all Baltic States entered into discussion.
There were speeches from Latvian side about new PPP law, its nature and main processes that will regulate it. There were information about realization possibilities of PPP projects now and also information about the biggest PPP projects in Latvia such as Northern Transport corridor, reconstruction of Road E77/A2 Section Riga Bypass – Senite and construction of kindergartens in four local governments.
As representative of Ministry of Finance of Republic of Lithuania Mrs. Diana Vaitiekuniene mentioned: “Maybe this is the right time to think about drafting single PPP law also in Lithuania, because at the moment there are possibilities to realize PPP projects through Concession law, but it would be better if all things what regulates PPP in Lithuania will be in one single law”.
As recognized founder of Public procurement centre in Estonia Mr. Margus Lantin: “Latvia and Lithuania are one step in front on development of PPP projects, because in Estonia PPP mechanism is not so popular as in other Baltic States and realization of PPP projects are possible through Public procurement law”.
The participants of this meeting recognized that it was very useful and interesting for them and they hope that this meeting will be as outset for further cooperation.
As CEO of PPP association Mr. Viesturs Tamuzs mentioned: “Right now the PPP is the best instrument for improvement of economical situation. At the moment there are all necessary conditions: will be accepted new PPP law, private sector has high interest, but public sector has large needs without consistent funding as development of infrastructure and public services. This is an opportunity what we do not let pass”.
This meeting was planned as a starting point for cooperation betwwen the Baltic States on PPP develpoment. It is also expected to organize further informative events for the wider audience.
The materials of presentations are here. 
