The build-operate-transfer (BOT) approach has in recent years played a growing role in the implementation of industrial and infrastructure projects such as oU and gas fields, power plants, toll roads and water supply and treatment facilities in both industrialized and developing countries. Owing to the strategic importance of BOT projects for developing countries, UNIDO is increasingly being asked by member countries to provide information, advice and guidance on the elaboration of these projects. In response to this need, it has taken the initiative of preparing these Guidelines for Infrastructure Development through Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) Projects, which are intended to provide both a general overview of the conceptual, legal and financial issues associated with BOT projects and practical guidance for project development, negotiation and implementation.

The structure and content of the Guidelines follow the usual path of BOT projects, from identi.ficat:iDn of project opportunities through feasibility studies, f ormat:iDn of a consortium, bidding procedures, contractual and financial packages, to the operation, maintenance and transfer of ownership. The Guidelines also highlight the ways in which BOT projects can promote te,hnology transfer and capacity building. The main goals of UNIDO in preparing the Guidelines are to help developing countries to take advantage of the potential benefits of using a BOT strategy to implement infrastructure projects and make well-reasoned decisions based on their particular objectives and requirements, and to elucidate how projects can be made to attract financing from the private sector.

There is no perfect BOT model for aU irifrastructure projects, and the host countries themselves have to shape the approach to suit their national requirements. Tiwse countries that have had the most success in implementing BOT projects generally attribute it to creating a win-win situation: the BOT approach allows them to pursue their national interests while at the same time it encourages private sector investment.

The Guidelines should not be regarded as rigid and unchangeable. Infrastructure development is a dynamic process, and the BOT approach has evolved to suit the needs of programmes in individual countries. They should, however, seroe as a comprehensive reference work, based on experience worldwide, for officials, managers and practitioners dealing with BOT issues. Fresh experience accrued by Guidelines users and the technical assistance work of UNIDO in the .field of BOT will eventually provide the feedback needed to update and expand the Guidelines.
The Guidelines are based on the long-standing experience of UNIDO in matters such as contractual arrangements, procurement, policy and institution building, technology transfer negotiations, capability building, feasibility studies, engineering and environmental protection, as well as on contributions from numerous outside experts and sources. For these Guidelines, UNIDO has tried to continuously update the material, in keeping with the rapid on-going development of the field.