Resource information
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) was
selected as a case study because it is one of the countries
in the region that has had rapid success in scaling up
infrastructure in a relatively short period of time. Also,
the Government of Pakistan (GoP) is seeking to attract
participation of investors from the UAE into domestic
infrastructure projects. The study also briefly considers
the potential impact of the infrastructure development boom
in the UAE on the Pakistan infrastructure implementation
capacity in terms of competition for skilled resources in
relation to consulting firms and construction services. The
study points out that while government agencies and private
sector in the UAE have been very successful in implementing
various large projects in the past, however, capacity
constraints are becoming evident in construction and
infrastructure implementation due to the mega size and scale
of projects envisaged for completion over the coming years.
Therefore, as in the case of other regions with expanding
demand but constrained capacity, the way forward is likely
to be an increasing focus on private sector participation as
well as on newer models and formats in which the projects
will be implemented. The experiences of Malaysia, China, and
the UAE helped in understanding the processes involved in
developing the capacity to undertake large scale
infrastructure projects. Common lessons are: that a
strategic long-term vision and integrated master plan;
ensured funding; sustained efforts to build up required
human capital; and providing an enabling environment for
local as well as international consultants, contractors, and
investors to work in the country proved successful. Strong
government support in terms of Human Resource (HR)
development; streamlining procedures, policies and
regulations; supporting trade associations; facilitating
timely payments; and enacting reforms through appropriate
legislation in financial sectors to encourage lending for
infrastructure are essential. Policies have to be kept under
constant review to face the new challenges for
infrastructure development due to the ongoing massive
development in the region.
