At least 18 private companies have expressed interest in developing schools under phase two of the government’s public-private partnership framework, Education Minister Tarek Shawki tells Al Mal, without naming the potential bidders. Five other companies had already won tenders to build 21 schools as part of phase one of the project, on which work is expected to begin as soon as the Cabinet signs off on tender results. The first of these schools should open their doors to students by next year, according to Education Ministry advisor Sherine Matar. The government is looking to set up 200 schools under PPP.