2004年-世界发展银行全球_Study_on_Private_Participation_in_Infrastructure_in_Tunisia_101页_6mb

Summary of the Study on Private Participation in Infrastructure in Tunisia

Core Content

This study, conducted by the Tunisian Ministry of Development and International Cooperation (MDCI) in collaboration with the World Bank and the Programme on Private Participation in Mediterranean Infrastructure (PPMI), provides a comprehensive analysis of private participation in infrastructure (PPI) in Tunisia. It outlines the current status, challenges, and opportunities for PPI, as well as a proposed strategy and action plan to enhance infrastructure development through private sector involvement.

Main Objectives of PPI

• Improvement of the quality and cost control of public services.
• Acceleration of infrastructure construction to support economic growth and employment.
• Improvement of fiscal equilibrium.
• Transfer of expertise in managing technological innovations.
• Stimulation of capital markets and private industries in the infrastructure sector.

Tunisian Infrastructure Assets

• Tunisia has made significant progress in infrastructure development, with high coverage and quality in sectors such as telecommunications, electricity, water, and sanitation.
• The country has a relatively low loss rate in water and electricity services and a high level of cost recovery.
• Efforts have been made in mobile telecommunications and Internet services, including the introduction of competition.
• Public sector dominance is still prevalent, but direct subsidies are limited, and cost recovery is better than in many other countries in the region.

Objectives of the 10th Development Plan and Current PPI Strategy

• The 10th Development Plan (2002–2006) aims for 5.5% annual GDP growth, 322,000 new jobs, and 55% increase in investment compared to the 9th Plan, with a focus on private sector investment.
• The plan also emphasizes regional and international integration under the Association Agreement with the European Union and WTO negotiations.
• The current PPI strategy includes:
  • Encouraging private investment in new projects (BOT type).
  • Promoting foreign direct investment (FDI) in sectors open to the private sector.
  • Maintaining public companies in certain infrastructure domains without full privatization.
  • Gradually introducing competition in key sectors like telecommunications and transport.
  • Implementing a limited regulatory framework for telecommunications.

Proposals for Complementing the Current Strategy

• A new PPI strategy should focus on:
  • Enhancing the regulatory framework to ensure fair competition and effective service delivery.
  • Expanding the range of PPI options beyond traditional models.
  • Improving legal frameworks to support private sector involvement.
  • Strengthening financial mechanisms to attract private investment.
  • Increasing the role of the private sector in infrastructure provision, especially in sectors like transport, telecommunications, and energy.
  • Promoting value for money through rigorous cost-benefit analysis and performance evaluation.

Key Sectoral Aspects

Telecommunications

• The sector has seen the introduction of competition through the awarding of the second GSM license.
• A regulatory authority (INT) has been established to oversee the sector.
• The proposed action plan includes enhancing competition, improving regulation, and promoting private investment.

Transport

• Air Transport: The new Centre-East airport and the Rapid Railway Network (RFR) in Greater Tunis are key projects.
• Maritime Transport: A deep water port and existing port concessions are under consideration.
• Road Transport: Improvements in infrastructure and management are needed.
• Urban Transport: Focus on efficient and sustainable transport solutions.
• Rail Transport: Development of a modern rail network is a priority.
• Multimodal and Postal Transport: Integration of different transport modes and postal services.

Electricity and Gas

• The sector has a well-established public company (STEG) with a good cost recovery rate.
• A regulatory framework is needed to ensure fair competition and efficiency.

Water and Sanitation

• High coverage rates in urban areas, but challenges remain in rural regions.
• Limited private sector involvement in water supply and sanitation.
• A need for improved management and regulation in these sectors.

Solid Waste Management

• Modest attempts at PPI have been made in recent years.
• A comprehensive strategy is required to address waste management issues.

Key Recommendations

• Enhance competition in infrastructure sectors to improve service quality and efficiency.
• Improve regulatory frameworks to ensure transparency, accountability, and fair competition.
• Strengthen legal mechanisms to support private sector participation.
• Develop a coherent PPI strategy that integrates both horizontal and sector-specific aspects.
• Promote value for money through cost-benefit analysis and performance evaluation.
• Encourage private investment through a combination of public-private partnerships (PPPs) and concessions.
• Implement a long-term Action Plan with a ten-year horizon, including short-term initiatives.

Support and Collaboration

• The study was supported by the Public-Private Infrastructure Advisory Facility (PPIAF) and the European Commission.
• A steering committee was formed to coordinate the study, including representatives from key ministries and institutions.
• The study was disseminated through a workshop in Tunis in December 2003, attended by over 160 participants from various sectors.

Conclusion

The study emphasizes the importance of PPI in enhancing the competitiveness and efficiency of Tunisia's infrastructure services. It highlights the need for a well-designed and managed strategy that balances the interests of the public and private sectors, promotes competition, and supports sustainable economic growth and employment. The proposed action plan is intended to guide Tunisia in achieving these objectives over the medium to long term.