PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION STUDY FOR THE MALDIVES PORT AUTHORITY	MALDIVES

> SECTOR(S) : Ports

> SERVICE(S) : Institutional Reform, Legal and Regulatory Services, Planning, Economics and Modelling, PPP Advisory

The overall purpose of this study was to consider what opportunities there are for greater private sector participation (PSP) in the activities of the Maldives Ports Authority (MPA).

CPCS identified the scope for greater private sector participation and investment in all government owned trading activities, and priorities for development.  We conducted an economic and financial analysis of Male’ port; provided financial projections for future operations, including the impact of traffic diversion to new regional ports planned for development in the short term; and determined the scope for tariff revisions.  We also established levels of operational efficiency, including labor and equipment utilization and staffing requirements.

Our team developed a reform strategy for the Ports Authority, including identification of opportunities for the private sector to be involved. We evaluated the associated risks and identified actions that could be taken to improve the financial and operating performance of the port.

A legislative and regulatory review was undertaken for the identification of responsibilities for regulation and operation of new port infrastructure being developed elsewhere in the country, and changes necessary to improve performance levels for the port.  Our legal and regulatory experts redefined and separated regulatory responsibilities. 

The recommendations provided by CPCS were substantially accepted and a detailed action plan was agreed with by the Government of Maldives.