Off-balance sheet solutions: Solution to circular debt in sight
In a rapidly moving development, Pakistan sought funding from the Asian Development Bank on Friday to resolve the financial crisis in the energy sector, a demand that the ADB appears to have acceded to by proposing the creation of a special company that would handle the inter-corporate circular debt.
The request was made earlier on Friday to Xiaoyu Zhao, the vice president of the ADB, who was visiting Islamabad, said sources in the finance ministry. For its part, the ADB appears to have at least tentatively accepted Pakistan’s request and even suggested the broad outlines of a structure that might be used to deliver such financing.
According to finance ministry sources, the ADB has proposed creating a special purpose vehicle (SPV), which would buy up all of the liabilities of every energy company in exchange for cash. The SPV in turn would presumably be funded for this purpose by the ADB. The details of the arrangement have yet to be decided upon.
“If things proceed as planned, it would give up to two years’ breathing space to Pakistan,” said a finance ministry official who attended meetings with the ADB.
The two-year time frame would allow the government time to introduce reforms in the power sector.
On Friday, nine independent power producers have invoked their sovereign guarantees, demanding that the government pay them Rs31 billion. Failure to do so would undermine Pakistan’s already damaged international credit rating (currently B- from Standard and Poor’s).
A five-member cabinet committee, recently created by Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani, has failed to come up with finalised recommendations, mainly due to a personality clash between the members, said sources familiar with the situation.
The finance ministry – inclined towards long-term solutions – had vowed that it would not release any funds to the energy sector without first formulating a permanent solution to the crisis. Yet, the ministry was forced to go back on its stance after it was ordered to release Rs25 billion to energy companies, a violation of the terms of reference of the committee set up by the premier himself.
Sources said that even though the ADB appears to be inclined to finance a solution, it may place several tough conditions on the government, including the privatisation of the state-owned power distribution companies.
President gets involved
On Friday, President Asif Ali Zardari met with the visiting ADB delegation, as well as the World Bank’s country head for Pakistan, Rachid Ben Messaoud. He asked for the help of their respective institutions in funding the $11 billion Diamer Bhasha Dam as well as a transportation network that would connect Pakistan to Central Asia.
Sources said the World Bank agreed to give $2.5 billion for the water and power sector. It agreed to finance the fourth extension project at Tarbela dam.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 27th, 2011.
COMMENTS (8)
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“If things proceed as planned, it would give up to two years’ breathing space to Pakistan,”
They haven't done anything in 3 years I doubt they'll do anything in 2 more years. Privatisation is a very slow process in Pakistan and 2 years isn't even enough to get started.
Currently the circular debt is the responsibility of multiple private sector companies who's directors and shareholders took an informed risk. By creating this new "SPV" that burden is being unfairly shifted on to tax payer's shoulders.
Pakistan's economy is in a poor state. US promised to help the circular debt, but did not! I wonder how ADB will actually help reduce the circular debt of our beloved Pakistan?
My dear @Meekal Ahmed: I am not talking about the rich, I am talking about the poor and middle-class, a person who earns Rs.7000/= a month (which is the minimum salary government has put) and you send him an electricity bill of Rs.3000/=, how would he manage? Secondly, for the other point of alternative energy, if at all, the ruling authorities have the will to do it, they are not willing! There are a lot of options, such as solar, solar-thermal, magnetic, wind and so on.
I hope this is not a political smoke-screen. This type of arrangement should have been evolved three years ago!
@MS: You have it wrong. Nothwithstanding the increase the rich still continue to be subsidized so that they can enjoy their SUV's.
For God's sake, even America, a wasteful country, is moving to gas-electric engines and want to achieve a target of 35 miles per gallon by 2013. This must have our Saudi friends and other oil producers getting the willies.
My sister's car is gas-electric with the battery under warranty for SEVEN years. NO maintenance of any kind required.
Your running out of friends that will give you money -- your running out of lenders that will loan you money. After this borrowing who are you going to run to next? If things continue to deteriorate with America you may lose your largest export market -- then what?
Well, the next election is due and therefore, we find a solution "in sight". Add to that, the already increased electricity tariffs have broken the back-bone of poor and middle class families. A good attempt by the government to get rid of the poor. The ruling class is sitting on a bomb, partial explosions are visible in various forms, wait for the big bomb to explode. Allah help, guide and be merciful on this nation.