Public-private partnership model selection for dry port development: an application to Vietnam

Abstract

This paper aims at building a conceptual framework to support decision makers in selecting the best public-private partnership (PPP) model for dry port development. We focus on a classification of four PPP categories: contracting out, inland terminal concession, field concession and privatised ownership. The framework is based on a multi-criteria analysis with benefit-risk approach. Using multi-stakeholder theory, we break down the benefit hierarchy in benefits to public and community actors, benefits to private investors and financiers and benefits to dry port users. We also present a typology on the risk management ability of each model at the macro, meso and micro levels. The proposed framework is applied to the Vinh Phuc ICD project in Vietnam. In the case study, the four PPP models are assessed on their suitability and risk profile to find the preferred PPP model. The robustness of the outcomes is further tested using a sensitivity analysis.