At ”Novosibirsk Expo Centre," a discussion was held on the prospects for public-private partnership.

One of the roundtables discussed the issue of public-private partnership. Thus, in April of this year a regional law entered into force, called: “Participation of the Novosibirsk Region in Public-Private Partnerships". It should be noted that public-private partnership is a broader concept than that which was used earlier, the concession arrangements with private sector organizations in interaction with government agencies and municipalities. In particular, the concept of public-private partnership details the risks, rights and obligations of the parties.

“When the governor initiated the adoption of this law the aim was to attract private investment primarily for projects related to infrastructure, both engineering and social, for example: kindergartens and market services” said Alexei Strukov, the first deputy chairman of the Government of the Region and Economic Development Minister. “At present, it is important for us to share know-how to create such partnerships. A Federal law does not exist yet, so these are important subjects.

According to Mr. Strukov, with the current performance of the revenues of the regional budget, the Novosibirsk region is ready to assume responsibility for a total project funding of 20 billion roubles, but in the case of favorable economic conditions in the region, limits may be increased. The planned period for which the region suggests to raise money ranges from 5-7 to 10-15 years, the minister said.

The roundtable was attended by representatives of state and local governments of Novosibirsk City, and Novosibirsk Region, as well as the Altai, Kemerovo, Tomsk, and Kaluga regions. Investment analysts, business executives and representatives of the banking sector and other agencies were also represented.

Alexei Kondratiev, the head of the Department of Land and Property Relations from the City Administration, talked about the development of concession relations in Novosibirsk. According to him, concessions for a period of 20 to 30 years were given to two kindergartens, a hospital and a dental clinic in Novosibirsk. Also, Mr Kondratiev said that the City Administration has discussed several major concession projects, including the construction of a new underpass near the "Rechnoy Voksal" metro station, under Zyryanovsk Street, the renovation of the S. Tyukeniina children's health camp, and the Kosmos Cinema.