Public-private partnerships (PPPs) are crucial for developing infrastructure both in developed and developing economies. However, they are predominantly a national, not an international phenomenon. Meanwhile, the EDB research implies, large-scale cross-border projects make it possible to eliminate vital infrastructure gaps, especially in landlocked developing countries. Often, PPPs make it possible to implement cross-border projects in the most effective fashion.

To date, more than 20 cross-border PPP projects worldwide have successfully developed transport infrastructure (railways, roads, pipelines, bridges, and tunnels) but also electric power and telecommunications. Cross-border PPPs are difficult to implement since they are not only capital-intensive but also associated with legal, commercial, financial, and political risks. Multilateral developments banks (MDBs) are ideal drivers of success in such ventures.

MDBs pro-active involvement could serve as an anchor which ensures successful completion of cross-border PPPs. The EDB report elaborates on a set of seven guidelines for cross-border PPPs based on the best international practices.