The 2014 APEC IEG Public-Private Dialogue (PPD) with the theme “Promoting Infrastructure Investment through PPP” was held on August 13th in Beijing. At the event, Renmin University of China released a research report on the conference theme advocating for the creation of a new model of public-private partnership (PPP) called APEC-PPP (APPP) that is to be promoted under the APEC framework utilizing the tools of financial innovation. This PPD was supported by Renmin University of China as a part of the Third Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM3) and Related Meetings of APEC 2014. Representatives of government and industry from APEC member economies, economic and development organizations, and experts from international organizations such as the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank participated in the PPD.

RUC Vice President Professor Yi Zhihong hosted the opening ceremony. APEC CTI Chair John Larkin and Assistant Minister of Commerce of China Wang Shouwen delivered opening remarks. Professor Chen Yulu, RUC President and Member of the Monetary Committee of the People’s Bank of China, delivered the keynote speech.

In his keynote speech, President Chen Yulu introduced the “APEC-PPP” model, which advocates for financial innovation that uses PPP as a means to improve connectivity in the Asia-Pacific region, for APEC economies to have a common conception of Asia-Pacific infrastructure development through PPP, and to turn this common conception into inclusive, sustainable, and innovative growth through practice.

During the dialogue portion, three dimensions of the new model for infrastructure investment in the Asia-Pacific region were explored: financial innovation, experience sharing and future cooperation. Experts from APEC economies, universities, and international organizations discussed the development of PPP, the roles of the public and private sectors in APEC infrastructure investment, and reviewed the challenges faced by both developed and developing members as well as the vital role that finance can play in the investment dialogue between the public and private sectors. Finally, ideas were exchanged about financial innovation in PPP.

It has been reported this is the first time that a Chinese university has organized an APEC forum event. Earlier, the Renmin University of China was chosen to undertake this forum session in an open ballot vote by the 21 member economies of APEC.