Support for Public-Private Partnership projects: Mykola Kalashnyk discussed cooperation priorities with IFC

Minister for Recovery, Infrastructure and Transport of Ukraine Mykola Kalashnyk held a meeting with a delegation of the International Finance Corporation (IFC).

The focus of the meeting was further cooperation in the development of infrastructure projects under public-private partnership (PPP) arrangements and the transition from individual projects to a systemic portfolio of PPP initiatives.

The meeting was also attended by First Deputy Minister Sergii Derkach, while the IFC delegation included Ines Rocha, IFC Regional Director for Europe, and Alejandro Alvarez de la Campa, IFC Regional Director for Ukraine.

“Our priority is to implement a list of specific infrastructure PPP projects and, together with IFC, take them from concept and feasibility study through structuring, tender, and attracting private investors. We want to scale our cooperation with IFC from individual cases to a systemic portfolio of infrastructure PPPs,” emphasized Mykola Kalashnyk.

The parties reviewed key sectoral priorities. In particular, in the port sector, the parties focused on continuation of port concessions, including progress on the First and Container Terminals of Chornomorsk Port. Four international companies have already passed prequalification. Work is also underway to launch new initiatives to attract investors to the port industry.

In the road sector, the parties discussed joint preparation of new road projects and border corridors with IFC support, including the development of a network of automatic truck weighing-in-motion (WIM) systems.

Moreover, the interlocutirs touched upon railway infrastructure. The talks concerned transformation of Kyiv and Lviv railway station complexes into modern transport and commercial hubs.

Mykola Kalashnyk also emphasized the need to strengthen the professional capacity of Ministry specialists and local government bodies in the field of PPP through educational programs.

The parties highlighted the importance of continuing IFC’s expert support in drafting sectoral legislation, particularly regarding the adaptation of transport regulations to European Union standards.