The State Duma may consider amendments to the law on public-private partnership before the end of the year

The second reading of the package of amendments to the law on public-private partnership (PPP) may be held in the State Duma before the end of this year. Denis Kravchenko, First Deputy Chairman of the Committee on Economic Policy, Executive Secretary of the Bureau of the Supreme Council of United Russia, spoke about this at conferences “PPP in Russia: Indicators and Prospects”, organized by Kommersant Publishing House.

“We are in the final stage, it is likely that the second reading may be before the end of the year. If not, January-February, definitely,” said Mr. Kravchenko.

According to the deputy, the bill involves bringing the conceptual apparatus in the field of PPP in line with the established practice of concessions; the possibility of conducting the tender procedure in electronic form at one of the eight sites accredited for public procurement; the possibility of reimbursement of costs if, as a result of consideration of the proposal, a tender was announced, but the initiator did not become its winner; as well as the use of a bank guarantee as a way to secure an application in the competition.

In addition, additional amendments have already been prepared for the second reading of the bill, Denis Kravchenko added. In particular, the grantor’s fee will provide for the possibility of reimbursement of interest on mutual financing of the cost of maintaining the facility. It is stipulated that the bank is not a party to the concession agreement. Establishment by the Government of the Russian Federation of a closed list of qualification requirements for tender participants is excluded. It is clarified that during the reorganization of a legal entity, the new legal entity must comply with the requirements of the law on PPP, and the concession fee is not a mandatory condition of the concession agreement. Finally, from January 1, 2025, holding a “paper” competition will no longer be mandatory.