On October 10th, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) announced the approval of a non-reimbursable technical cooperation program with the government of Argentina. The measure is part of an Argentine request to receive advice from the IDB and incorporate best practices in the fight against corruption and transparency in infrastructure projects with public-private participation (PPP). The Public-Private Participation Secretariat of Argentina’s Ministry of Finance is working with IDB staff and a team of international experts to facilitate assistance in the coming months.

The IDB will conduct a survey of international practices on PPP integrity. In particular, the Bank will address guidelines to incorporate programs aimed at preventing prohibited practices, implementing regulations and standards applicable to international financial institutions interested in financing this type of projects.

On October 9th, before the Congress´Public-Private-Participation Contracts Bicameral Committee, PPP Secretary, José Morea stressed that the Executive Branch is working on the consolidation of a trust fund to finance the companies that were awarded this type of contract. The idea is to mitigate reputational risk and achieve a new framework of integrity and transparency to this type of projects.