The financial crisis has affected practically all aspects of the economy, and doubtless dominates all economic speculations and commentaries. The governments of virtually all countries are competing in coming up with crisis measures and pumping public funds into the economy. While Barack Obama’s administration in America is preparing to invest a rescue package of USD 800 billion, the EU is striving verbally to coordinate steps that should renew lost faith in further economic growth. The Czech government has come up with a number of measures, which are surprisingly sensible, yet the greater involvement of PPP is entirely lacking. Could it be that the economists from NERV (National Economic Government Council) don’t believe in the abilities of the private sector? On the contrary, many other European countries are starting to give greater space to PPP, because: “Investments into infrastructure are a part of the recommended measures, and the private sector is able to perform them more effectively.” – Citation from the meeting of EU government leaders on 12 December 2008.

• Will governments make greater use of PPP during the economic recession?
• What is the fate of “living projects” in light of the current economic turbulence?
• What are the new trends in the PPP segment? Energy, renewable resources, waste…?
• What has happened to regional PPP projects after the victory of the Socialist Party (ČSSD) in the autumn regional elections?

These and many other issues will be discussed at the annual Czech PPP FORUM, held as usual in June this year.
We look forward to seeing you.

Michal Pop, Director, B.I.D. services s.r.o.
and Soňa Miňovská, Conference Manager