New Needs for Technical Assistance : Responding to the Effects of the Financial Crisis on Private Participation in Infrastructure

Abstract

In developing countries the global financial crisis is leading to serious difficulties for infrastructure projects with private participation. In some cases governments are responding by simplifying their project approval processes or by substituting public for private financing. Even if markets recover quickly, these responses could pose significant risks. Containing those risks and dealing with the effects of the financial crisis calls for specialized technical assistance in assessing contingent liabilities, maintaining existing assets, assisting projects in distress, and maintaining a project pipeline.