Comparing the private sector partners’ perspectives on procuring public-private partnership infrastructure projects in Ghana and Hong Kong

Abstract

The private sector partner is a key party to public-private partnership project, however very little research has been conducted to explore the private sector partners’ perspective in PPP implementation. In this regard, this paper aims to compare the views of the private sector partner on procuring PPP projects in Ghana and Hong Kong. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with PPP practitioners of senior authority in private sector organizations in Ghana and Hong Kong. The interviews covered critical issues in PPP implementation; these include: reasons for engaging in PPPs; success criteria; critical success factors; external stakeholder management and training and education in PPPs. The interview findings show that ‘adequate returns on investment’ was considered by both groups of interviewees as the reason for engaging in PPP arrangement. ‘Profitability’ and ‘project completed on time’ were mentioned by both groups of interviewees as their success criteria for PPP projects. On the CSFs for PPPs, external stakeholder management and training and education in PPPs, no response was found to have been mentioned by both groups of interviewees. The outputs of this study add to the international best practice framework for PPPs. They inform public institutions and agencies of the expectations of private sector partners in PPP arrangement in Africa and Asia. It is hoped that the results will improve the strategic approach of public institutions in PPP arrangements.