Doha: The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and Georgetown University in Qatar have signed an agreement launching a technical cooperation project aimed at enhancing the capabilities of Jordanian officials in designing, implementing, and managing Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs).
According to Jordan News Agency, JICA revealed in a press statement that the initiative will include an intensive training program and an international study tour for senior Jordanian officials responsible for PPP management across various government ministries and independent institutions. The program, spearheaded by Georgetown University in Qatar, will maintain high academic and professional standards, delivered by faculty members and researchers with extensive experience in governmental and public sector collaborations worldwide and regionally.
A significant aspect of the program is a field study tour in Australia, a country recognized for its successful PPP projects in infrastructure and service delivery. This tour aims to provide participants with a comprehensive learning experience through visits to institutions with proven PPP success, offering direct exposure to international best practices and applications.
JICA expressed that the initiative is intended to support the formation of a dedicated inter-ministerial PPP team within Jordan. This team will be responsible for managing all aspects of PPP projects, from proposal to operation. The program will conclude with a high-level workshop for trainees, assembling representatives from government ministries, private sectors, investors, banking professionals, and donors to encourage dialogue and cooperation.
The JICA program and its workshop are set to transform the PPP landscape in Jordan. The developed methodology is expected to guide future capacity-building and institutional development efforts related to PPPs in the country. Furthermore, it has the potential to attract donor funding and spark interest from local investors and corporations in future PPPs.
This collaboration aligns with Jordan's Economic Modernization Vision, emphasizing the private sector's crucial role in national development through PPPs. By boosting institutional readiness and attracting private investment, the program aims to ease the financial load on the Jordanian government while supporting significant national projects.