Effects of project-specific government involvement actions on the attractiveness of port public-private partnerships among private investors

Abstract

Appropriate governmental involvement actions can be one of the most critical factors in the success of port Public-private partnerships (PPPs). This study empirically investigates the effects of project-specific government actions on the attractiveness of port PPPs among foreign and domestic private investors, focusing on the impact of project initiation, fee requirement, and direct government investment in developing countries. Binary logistic regression and multiple linear regression are employed. It shows that project initiation, concession fee requirement, and direct government investment are more significantly related to the attractiveness of port PPPs among private investors. It also reveals a potential competing relationship between foreign and domestic private investors in port PPPs. A potential trade-off between benefits brought by direct government investment and too much government ownership in port PPPs is also highlighted. This study can assist planners and managers in identifying suitable actions to attract private investment in port PPPs.