Afghanistan Launches New Business Caucus in Parliament

November 26, 2013 by Center for International Private Enterprise

Originally posted at CIPE Development Blog

The inaugural meeting of Afghanistan’s Parliamentary Business Caucus

By CIPE Kabul Staff

Entrepreneurs and businesspeople in Afghanistan face one of the most difficult business environments in the world, so close cooperation between the private sector and government is essential to putting the country’s economy back on track.

On November 16, CIPE capped off more than two years of work by organizing the inaugural meeting of Afghanistan’s Parliamentary Business Caucus, which brings together business-friendly members of parliament (MPs) and representatives of the private sector. This new body will provide a platform to discuss issues of concern to the business community and ways in which the private sector and MPs can work together to make sure that Afghanistan passes key legislation to spur private sector development.
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10 Lessons from CIPE’s Webinar on Public-Private Dialogue

July 30, 2013 by Center for International Private Enterprise

Originally posted at CIPE Development Blog

A public-private dialogue session with Senegalese President Macky Sall.

In a webinar on July 11, Elias M. Dewah, former Executive Director of the Botswana Confederation of Commerce, Industry, and Manpower (BOCCIM), and other panelists shared prominent lessons from their experience with public-private dialogue initiatives in Africa and Eastern Europe and the Caucasus. Here are some of the highlights, addressed to private sector participants in advocacy.

Be consistent and persistent in advocacy and dialogue to overcome government inertia.
Remain independent from government but work with officials in an advocacy capacity.
Be proactive and constructive. Don’t just criticize but offer alternative policy solutions.
Come to the table with well-researched evidence.

World Bank Study Highlights Voice of CIPE Partners in Moldova

July 19, 2013 by Center for International Private Enterprise

Originally posted at CIPE Development Blog

On June 11 the World Bankreleased a report titled, “Moldova: Policy Priorities for Private Sector Development.” The report highlights business constraints and proposals for reform in five key areas: customs administration, tax administration, business regulation (licenses, authorizations, permits, and inspections), competition framework, and access to finance. These priorities are in line with the National Business Agenda (NBA) prepared by CIPE partners in Moldova. In fact, the World Bank report makes multiple references to the 2012-2013 NBA document, citing it as “reflecting the views of a broad range of private sector stakeholders.”

The NBA is not only a document.
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Don’t Forget: CIPE Public-Private Dialogue Webinar this Thursday

July 8, 2013 by Center for International Private Enterprise

Originally posted at CIPE Development Blog

Please join us this Thursday, July 11, from 9:30-11:30 AM EST for a free webinar on Public-Private Dialogue with Elias M. Dewah, former Executive Director of the Botswana Confederation of Commerce, Industry, and Manpower (BOCCIM).

Dewah will present key lessons and impact examples based on his experiences using public-private dialogue as an advocacy tool.

We’ll also hear about PPD programs in other countries from CIPE staff experts and partners. Register below to learn techniques in framing private sector priorities and establishing credibility with policymakers.

Click here to reserve your seat.
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Business Issues at Forefront of Albanian Elections

July 4, 2013 by Center for International Private Enterprise

Originally posted at CIPE Development Blog

Edi Rama

On June 23^rd, Albanians took to the polls for parliamentary elections with big implications for the future of their country. With European Union candidate status on the line, this particular election was viewed by the international community as a “crucial test” for Albania’s democratic maturity. Albania’s candidacy status has been denied its past three attempts at a bid, partially due to the lack of transparency and fairness in its electoral process.

The Socialist Party candidate and former Mayor of Tirana, Edi Rama, won handily with 53 percent of the vote, ousting the incumbent, Sali Berisha, and his Democratic Party after eight years in power.
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