RSS
Infrastructure: Representatives of the EIB and EBRD could consider financing Comarnic-Brasov motorway
Representatives of the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) - on the occasion of their meeting with the Romanian Minister delegate for Infrastructure Projects of National Interest and Foreign Investments, Dan Sova -, have shown their banks are willing to consider the possibility of financing the Comarnic-Brasov segment of the Bucharest-Brasov motorway.
‘During the meeting there were discussed such problems Romania is currently forced to deal with, which make the banks be more reluctant when it comes to public-private partnership projects concluded for infrastructure works. In the opinion of representatives of the two banks the financing, design and construction of the Bucharest-Ploiesti-Brasov motorway (the Comarnic-Brasov segment) represents a priority. Thus, representatives of the two banks have voiced their appreciation for the measures taken so far by the Romanian state to be able to launch this project sooner, also showing that the two financial units are ready to consider a possible financing', said a release of the Department for Infrastructure Projects and Foreign Investments on Thursday sent to Agerpres.
According to the abovementioned source, the EIB and EBRD are strategic partners of Romania, while the Law on the Public-Private partnership was drafted based on consultations with the two banks and on their support in implementing the mechanisms to guarantee the functioning of this law. It was the talks with EIB and EBRD representatives that made it clear what were the mechanism under which a private public can become bankable.
‘We assumed a difficult task when we decided to implement projects under a PPP, given that the banks are often showing reluctance to such projects. Let's not forget that the public private partnerships only proved successful in some of the EU countries, such as UK, France and Germany. However, from what we discussed so far with the European specialists and with the banks I can say that I feel optimistic and that there are certain signs showing that things are going to work afterall. As regards the Comarnic-Brasov segment, we made a commitment. As a country we already failed in building this motorway twice, in 2004 and 2011. But we learnt from our mistakes in the past and I hope that this time we are going to succeed, because now we are more open, more focused and more transparent', Dan Sova said.
Four economic operators have already late in February registered their candidature in the pre-selection for the obtaining of the public works contract regarding the construction, financing, operating and maintaining of the Bucharest-Brasov motorway, according to the National Company of Motorways and National Roads (CNADNR). These are China Communications Constructions Company Ltd., the association consisting of Spedition UMB and Tehnostade, the association consisting of Vinci-Strabag-Aktor and the association made up of Impregilo SpA and Salini SpA.
The winner of the tender for the construction of the Comarnic-Brasov segment of the motorway will be announced in October, according to Dan Sova, as saying in April this year.