Lucia Fuselli on what needs to be taken into account for successful public-private partnerships

"The process of evaluating a PPP project requires a series of specialised studies to determine its suitability, sustainability and efficiency under the specific financing and operating model," says Lucia Fuselli, Chair of the Energy Chapter, Co-Chair of the Sustainability and Resilience Chapter, World Association of PPP (WAPPP).

She was addressing a High Level Practical Workshop making up the second day of the 'Unlocking investment through Public-Private Partnerships (PPP)' International Summit in Nicosia.

Speaking at the event taking place in the context of the international summit entitled ‘Unlocking Investment Through PPP,’ Fuselli analysed the critical parameters that must be taken into account during the preparation and implementation of a PPP project.

She stressed that technical, economic and legal viability are key elements of the initial assessment, as the project must be technically sound, economically efficient through a cost-benefit analysis and fully aligned with the legal framework.

Commercial viability is also crucial, as a PPP project must be attractive to investors and lenders, ensuring that it can deliver satisfactory financial returns.

At the same time, the environmental and social dimension of the project plays an important role, according to her, as the assessment of climate-related risks and social acceptance are factors that influence its long-term success.

Particular emphasis was placed on the concept of ‘Value for Money’, which concerns the comparison of the total life cost of a PPP project with traditional public procurement.

Fuselli emphasised that this approach helps to make informed decisions, ensuring that the PPP solution is not just an alternative financing method, but an option that provides substantial benefits over conventional practices.

Finally, she explained that the financial sustainability and affordability of a project determine its success, as there must be clarity regarding the ability of the public sector to finance it, while at the same time being financially accessible to end users.

Fuselli concluded that proper preparation and evaluation of projects through these studies is the key to the success of PPPs, contributing to attracting investment and the sustainable development of infrastructure.

The High Level Practical Workshop was designed to equip participants with the essential skills and strategies to develop compelling, investment-ready projects and effectively promote them to the right foreign direct investment (FDI) investors. Through expert insights, real-world case studies, and interactive sessions, attendees will learn how to structure projects to meet investor expectations, craft persuasive investment narratives, and utilise targeted promotion techniques to attract and engage the most suitable investors.

Speakers:

• Nayef S. Alhaddad, Manager of Research and Strategic Planning, Kuwait Authority for Partnership Projects (KAPP), Chairman, Middle East and North Africa Chapter, World Association of PPP Units and Professionals (WAPPP)
• Jean-Christophe Barth-Coullaré, International Mediator, Executive Director, World Association of PPP Units & Professionals (WAPPP)
• Edward Farquharson, Senior Adviser, European Investment Bank (EIB)
• Ziad-Alexandre Hayek, President, World Association of PPP Units & Professionals (WAPPP)
• Michael McVeigh, Director, Government and Infrastructure, EY
• Thibaut Mourgues, Managing Partner, Camden Advisory, Co-Founder, Head of Editorial Board, Head of AI & Technology chapter, World Association of PPP Units & Professionals (WAPPP)
• Ziad-Alexandre Hayek, President, World Association of PPP Units & Professionals (WAPPP)
• Lucia Fuselli, Chair of the Energy Chapter, Co-Chair of the Sustainability and Resilience Chapter, World Association of PPP Units & Professionals (WAPPP)

The Summit has been organised by Invest Cyprus, the World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (WAIPA) and World Association of PPP Units & PPP Professionals (WAPPP).

EY Cyprus is Gold Sponsor, Hermes Airports is Silver Sponsor, and the European Investment Bank is the Knowledge Sponsor.