World Bank releases updated Port Reform Toolkit

World Bank releases updated Port Reform Toolkit The World Bank has released an updated version of its Port Reform Toolkit, which is directed at helping developing country government officials with port modernization projects.
   'We want to provide public officials in developing countries with an effective tool to undertake sustainable institutional reforms of port services,' said Maryvonne Plessis-Fraissard, the World Bank's director of transport and urban development, in a statement. 'I believe that the toolkit will also be a great resource for other government officials, port service and shipping companies, as well as companies dependent on port services, in building lasting public-private partnerships.'
         The toolkit, now in its second edition, was first published by the World Bank in 2001. The new edition provides the latest insights into:
   * Understanding the needs, challenges and risks for governments attempting to meet new business requirements in port operations.
   * Choosing among options for private sector participation and analyzing their impacts on operational, regulatory and legal relationships.
   * Preparing legislation, contracts and institutional charters to manage private sector participation.
   * Managing the transition to increased private sector involvement in port projects.
      According to the World Bank, developing country ports are under pressure to reform and keep up with industry demands. There have been about 230 port projects started during the past 15 years, including more than $24.7 billion in private investment. The World Bank Private Partnership in Infrastructure Database reported that developing country ports experienced record level investments totaling more than $4.1 billion in 2005 alone.
   The World Bank's toolkit relied on information collected from the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, International Labor Organization, International Maritime Organization, as well as discussions with representatives from the private sector. The toolkit is available free online through the World Bank’s Web site: https://www.worldbank.org/ports.