Economic Issues

Public Investment and Public-Private Partnerships

Author/Editor:

Bernardin Akitoby ; Gerd Schwartz ; Richard Hemming

Publication Date:

March 21, 2007

Electronic Access:

Free Download. Use the free Adobe Acrobat Reader to view this PDF file

Summary:

Over the past three decades, public spending on infrastructure, as a share of GDP, has been on the decline worldwide. Although the link between infrastructure investment and economic growth is not yet fully understood, the quality of infrastructure clearly affects a country's productivity, competitiveness in export markets, and ability to attract foreign investment. This EI explores the following questions: Should countries increase public investment in infrastructure? If the answer is yes, how can they do so in a fiscally responsible manner? Are public-private partnerships a viable alternative?

Series:

Economic Issues No. 2007/002

Subject:

Expenditure Infrastructure National accounts Public debt Public investment and public-private partnerships (PPP) Public investment spending

Notes:

Also available in Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish.