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Sectors

FIAS

Projects in Asia & the Pacific (by Country)

Please note that FIAS reports are confidential to its clients, who decide on their distribution.

COUNTRY
FISCAL YEAR
TYPE of PROJECT
DESCRIPTION
Afghanistan
2004
Investment policy: Law Reviewed the Investment Law for Annual General Meeting Workshop on Afghanistan Trade and Investment.
Afghanistan
2002
Investment policy/ Diagnostic Advised on the investment climate including the investment law, company registration procedures, licensing, taxation and other incentives and produced a situation analysis of the private sector to aid in developing a longer term roadmap for World Bank assistance to the private sector.
ASEAN
1990
Incentives Prepared a study of investment incentives and destructive competition for foreign direct investment (FDI) in Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the implications for harmonization and cooperation.
ASEAN
1988
Investment policy Provided suggestions on incentive harmonization for the ASEAN member states at the Secretariat's request.
Bangladesh
2007
InstitutionsFIAS together with IFC-SEDF, identified key private sector development indicators to facilitate PSD vision and initiate the institutionalization of a monitoring and evaluation system of the PSD reform process in Bangladesh.
Bangladesh
2007
InstitutionsFIAS conducted a stakeholder analysis and designed a communications strategy to act as an example of how to institutionalize the PSD regulatory reform process in Bangladesh.
Bangladesh
2006
Administrative BarriersFIAS, together with SEDF, explored the rationale for Regulatory Impact Analysis (RIA), widely recognized as an important mechanism which can contribute to improving the business environment. FIAS suggested options and recommendations for a gradual implementation of RIA, and exposed stakeholders in the public and private sector to the process through pilot workshops.
Bangladesh
2006
Administrative BarriersFIAS and SEDF jointly assisted the government of Bangladesh to take a “whole of government” approach to develop a strategy to generate private investor interest through analyzing the political economy of PSD reform in Bangladesh, evaluating stakeholder interests, and developing a communication strategy on PSD issues.
Bangladesh
2006
Administrative BarriersThe FIAS-SEDF joint venture implemented the first Bangladesh Administrative Barriers Review (ABR), which targeted 6 carefully-selected administrative processes for review, demonstrating to the government of Bangladesh and other stakeholders one particular methodology for analyzing barriers to investment and for identifying and agreeing on possible reforms aimed at achieving improvements to the overall investment climate.
Bangladesh
2006
Investment Laws, Policies, & PromotionAs part of the Institutionalizing the PSD Reform Process project, FIAS and SEDF created a “PSD Core Group” in order to create broad-based Government ownership of a complex and multi-faceted investment climate reform agenda in a challenging political environment. Formed in March 2005 and made up of 37 mid-level civil servants, the Core Group draws from 17 private sector facing Government ministries and agencies.
Bangladesh
2006
Investment Laws, Policies, & PromotionAt the request of the Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister and the Chair of the Board of Investment, FIAS, in conjunction with SEDF, developed a series of options for modernizing Bangladesh’s economic zones regime, with an emphasis on enabling privately developed and managed sites under a regulatory framework that separates public ownership from regulation.
Bangladesh
2005
IncentivesReviewed the BOI investment strategy and assessed the effective tax rates.
Bangladesh
2005
Investment policy: Economic ZonesAssessed key Special Eco Zones and regulatory reform needs and advocated appropriate solutions, in order to attract more export-oriented FDI, and generate pro-poor growth in the country.
Bangladesh
2003
Promotion Strategy Assisted the Board of Investment (BOI) to develop its first investment promotion strategy, principally by way of conducting a strategic planning workshop for the management and senior staff.
Bangladesh
1993
Diagnostic Examined the policy, regulatory and incentive regime affecting private investment and made recommendations for improvements.
Bangladesh
1993
Institutions Provided assistance to the BOI on organizational structure and functions, operating procedures, personnel policy and establishing a framework for investment promotion through the production of promotional materials.
Bangladesh
1990
Diagnostic FIAS updated its 1988 diagnostic review at the government's request.
Bangladesh
1990
Institutions Assisted in strengthening the institutional capacity of the BOI.
Bangladesh
1988
Diagnostic Conducted a diagnostic review of the obstacles to increased flows of FDI.
Bhutan
2005
Investment Laws/RegulationsAmended the FDI Rules and Regulations.
Bhutan
2004
Institutions Recommended an institutional structure that will support the government's efforts to attract and manage inward FDI and designed a package of technical assistance that will support the establishment of this structure.
Bhutan
2003
Investment policy Operationalized Bhutan's first investment policy decree by assisting with the preparation of drafts of rules, regulations, procedures, and criteria.
Bhutan
2002
Investment policy Assisted the government in drafting an Investment Policy Statement.
Bhutan
2002
Investment policy Focused on the implications of the draft of a previously prepared investment policy.
Bhutan
2002
Investment policy Provided an assessment of the FDI prospects for the proposed private sector development priorities in the context of the existing regulatory environment and proposed foreign investment law.
Bhutan
2001
Investment policy Reviewed a draft investment policy statement.
Cambodia
2007
Administrative Barriers [Implementation]FIAS assisted the government of Cambodia in the design and construction of a customs duty suspension scheme.
Cambodia
2007
Sector (Tourism)FIAS conducted a tourism sector study at the request of the Ministry of Tourism of Cambodia to review the strengths and weaknesses of the country's tourism sector; identify its contribution to growth and job creation; identify the key constraints to the sector’s further development; and provide concrete recommendations to address the problems.
Cambodia
2006
Administrative BarriersWith co-funding from the Agence Francaise de Developpement in Phnom Penh, FIAS assisted the Cambodia Investment Board in the design and implementation of a Duty Suspension Scheme for exporters in targeted sectors.
Cambodia
2005
Corporate Social ResponsibilityAssisted the Ministry of Commerce and the garment industry to move away from current dependence on a quota-focused strategy towards a more market-led and sustainable strategy.
Cambodia
2005
Investment policy: LawAssisted the Royal Government of Cambodia in the preparation of amendments to the Sub-Decrees.
Cambodia
2005
Promotion StrategyPrepared a strategic plan, and provided legal assistance & implementation assistance.
Cambodia
2004
Investment policy: Law Assisted the government in preparing implementing regulations to the Amended Law on Investment by producing draft guidelines.
Cambodia
2002
Investment policy: Law Provided inputs to an official position paper for proposed amendments to the Investment Law.
Cambodia
2001
Incentives Helped the government assess the revenue implications for different scenarios being considered by government under proposals to amend the investment incentives regime.
Cambodia
2001
Investment policy/Incentives Assisted the government in moving from discretionary, expectation-based investment incentives to automatic performance-based incentives available to all qualifying investments; assisted by preparing draft guidelines to amend the appropriate legislation.
Cambodia
2000
Incentives Assisted the government in moving from discretionary, expectation-based investment incentives to automatic, performance based-incentives to offer a competitive general tax environment to all investors.
Cambodia
1997
Incentives Assisted in developing a system for monitoring investment incentives granted to foreign investors.
Cambodia
1994
Investment policy: Law Helped in the preparation of a new foreign investment law.
China
2007
Administrative Barriers [Implementation]FIAS, together with the IFC Facility in China and IFC's SME department, advised and conducted implementation activities promoting the development of China’s new secured transactions law.
China
2007
Corporate Social ResponsibilityFIAS assisted the Shenzhen Provincial Government in developing a corporate social responsibility framework for its ICT industry and helped local suppliers build capacity to meet new international social and environmental standards.
China
2007
Sector (Tourism)FIAS, together with the IFC Facility in China and CSM, conducted a study of Sichuan's tourism sector to identify the sector's market, and policy and regulatory constraints to development.
China
2006
Investment Laws, Policies, & PromotionThe project, conducted by the Ministry of Commerce, FIAS and MIGA, consisted of the diagnostic phase of developing a national and local capacity to improve the investment climate of, and to attract investment to, the Western and Central regions, which are among the poorer regions of China.
China
2005
Access to CreditProvided advice and recommendations for the development of a modern regime for secured transactions (collateral) that will allow for efficient taking and enforcing security over movable assets.
China
2005
Administrative Barriers: Liaoning ProvinceConducted a review of the administrative barriers to investment for Liaoning Province, with the aim of identifying problems in the regulatory procedures that deter investment and searching for ways to remove these barriers.
China
2005
Diagnostic: Liaoning ProvincePerformed a diagnosis of the policy, legal & institutional frameworks in order to attract FDI to Liaoning Province.
China
2005
Promotion StrategyA joint FIAS-MIGA review of the draft national investment promotion policy prepared by the Minister of Commerce, followed by its discussion in a workshop to be helped in Beijing in July 2004.
China
2004
Promotion Strategy Held workshop with government officials from Northeast China on improving the business climate to attract FDI to the region.
China
2002
Promotion Strategy: Shaanxi ProvinceAssisted the government in drafting an Investment Promotion Strategy for Shaanxi Province.
China
2000
Promotion Strategy Provided guidance in the development of a national foreign investment promotion program.
China
1999
FDI Database Completed work on establishing a system for collecting FDI data.
China
1998
Investment policy Assisted the government in assessing the impact of the East Asian financial crisis on FDI flows to China and advised on changes in FDI policy that would better suit new trends.
China
1998
Investment policy: Seminar Arranged presentations on the effect of antitrust laws and practices on FDI and how other transition economies have dealt with competition policy.
China
1997
FDI Database Reviewed the existing FDI data sources, definition and classification, and made recommendations to strengthen the FDI data statistical system.
China
1997
Investment policy Assisted in the preparation of new regulations on the treatment of branches of foreign firms.
China
1996
Promotion Strategy: Sichuan Province Drafted a report on the relationship between investment environment and investment promotion in the Sichuan Province, and helped organize a Roundtable in Chengdu on the same subject for the benefit of Provincial authorities.
China
1996
Sector: Infrastructure BOT (Implementation) Assisted in finalizing new regulations governing the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) approval procedures, bidding documents, and model contracts.
China
1995
Sector: Infrastructure Reviewed the policy implications of promoting FDI investment in the infrastructure sector.
China
1994
Investment policy: Screening/Approval Conducted a review of screening and approval procedures.
China
1992
Diagnostic Conducted a review of the foreign investment environment.
China
1989
Investment policy Provided advice on reconciling the conflicting objectives of the joint-ventures foreign exchange balance requirements and the desire to increase flows of FDI.
China
1987
Diagnostic Prepared a diagnostic review of the foreign investment climate, together with IBRD.
China
1987
Investment policy Assisted in the preparation of a new contractual joint venture law.
China
1986
Investment policy: Seminar Conducted a seminar in Beijing for senior Chinese officials involved in the planning, approval and monitoring of FDI.
East Timor
2004
Institutions Evaluated a proposal for the establishment of an investment promotion agency (IPA) for inclusion in a World Bank aide memoir, which was discussed and agreed with the East Timor government.
East Timor
2004
Investment Policy: Law Reviewed and commented on the draft External Investment Law and the draft Domestic Investment Law.
East Timor
2003
Investment Policy Participated in a World Bank mission to review the environment for private sector investment and reviewed progress on the development of the commercial legal environment and implementation of a Bank Technical Assistance project to assist in the development of an appropriate commercial legal environment.
East Timor
2003
Investment policy: Law Conducted a desk review of a draft Investment Law.
East Timor
2001
Diagnostic Performed a preliminary diagnostic of the environment for foreign investment and designed a foreign investment code appropriate for the environment.
East Timor
2001
Investment policy: Law Participated in a mission for and contributed to the preparation of a Country Economic Memorandum, concurrently providing inputs to the design of a technical assistance project for strengthening the commercial legal environment.
Fiji
2007
Administrative Barriers [Implementation]FIAS assisted in implementing reform changes within the Fiji government agencies' administrative processes to deliver quantitative and qualitative improvements in investment approvals processing time and costs for the private sector investor.
Fiji
2006
Investment Laws, Policies, & PromotionFIAS, in collaboration with the World Bank, undertook a diagnostic study to support reform addressing the regulatory constraints facing business.
Fiji
2006
Investment Laws, Policies, & PromotionThis project was the solution design and implementation phase of the above project (Investment Approvals Reform Program) to support reform addressing the regulatory constraints facing business.
Fiji
2005
Promotion Strategy Assisted in the implementation of FIA law reforms for Fiji Trade Investment Board.
Fiji
2004
Investment policy Assisted with appropriate policy and legislative recommendations for amendments and changes to the 1999 Foreign Investment Act and subsequently supported passage of the amended legislation through the Cabinet and Parliament.
Fiji
2002
Incentives (Implementation) Assisted with implementing the Duty Suspension Scheme.
Fiji
2000
Incentives Assisted the government in reforming its investments incentives system to provide an investment-friendly tax regime that is transparent and nondiscretionary.
Fiji
1998
Incentives Helped the government implement previous recommendations on modifying and eliminating investment incentives that were not cost effective.
Fiji
1998
Institutions: Training Conducted a training program to strengthen the Investment Promotion Agency's investment promotion skills.
Fiji
1998
Investment policy: Law Assisted in preparing the new Foreign Investment Act, including drafting guidelines and reviewing the investment dispute resolution process.
Fiji
1994
Incentives Conducted an examination of the incentives framework.
Fiji
1994
Investment policy/ Institutions Reviewed the institutional arrangements for FDI and assisted in the preparation of a new investment act.
Greater Mekong Subregion
1996
Institutions/ Promotion strategy Assisted in the first meeting of promotion agencies and helped them in conceptualizing the nature and the scope of their regional cooperation.
India
2007
Competition PolicyFIAS, in collaboration with the World Bank South Asia country department, assisted the Competition Commission of India in providing technical assistance and in building in-house capacity for CCI by conducting competition and regulatory impact assessments of selected key sectors of the Indian economy.
India
2004
Investment policy Organized and conducted a workshop on the impact, effectiveness, and good practice of Export Processing Zones (EPZs).
India
2000
Diagnostic/Promotion strategy Surveyed Andhra Pradesh's state-level entry procedures for foreign investment, fiscal incentives offered to investors, and arrangements in place for investment promotion.
India
1993
Diagnostic/ Promotion strategy Conducted a comparative assessment of foreign investment policies and assisted in the formulation of a foreign investment promotional strategy.
Indonesia
2007
Corporate Social ResponsibilityFIAS assisted the Indonesian administration’s national campaign against illegal logging by generating a set of policy recommendations to encourage increased forest certification.
Indonesia
2007
DiagnosticFIAS conducted a study of Indonesia's shrimp and textile sectors to identify options for addressing policy and institutional impediments in the investment climate, in particular those that constrain Indonesian exports in these two sectors.
Indonesia
2007
Investment policyWorking jointly with PEP Aceh/Nias, through the Aceh Agency for Reconstruction and Rehabilitation, FIAS assisted in preparing a regional investment policy statement and an outline regional investment law in Aceh.
Indonesia
2007
Investment policyFIAS assisted the Indonesian Ministry of Trade in finalizing the implementation of regulations for the new investment law, relevant administrative procedures, and a strategic framework for investor problem solving.
Indonesia
2006
Investment Laws, Policies, & PromotionWorking closely with IFC/PENSA and PEP Aceh/Nias, FIAS conducted a rapid response mini-diagnostic of the Aceh/Nias investment climate.
Indonesia
2006
Investment Laws, Policies, & PromotionWorking jointly with PEP Aceh/Nias, and through the Aceh Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Agency (BRR), FIAS delivered a half-day investment law workshop covering basic good practice in relation to investment coverage, registration, the use of negative lists, incentives, regulation, and promotion.
Indonesia
2006
Investment Laws, Policies, & PromotionFIAS provided advice through an Investment Incentives Review and Policy Seminar to the Ministry of Trade on international best practices for the provision of fiscal and non-fiscal incentives for investors.
Indonesia
2006
Investment Laws, Policies, & PromotionFIAS, working through the World Bank in Jakarta, provided a range of working papers, guidance notes, and drafting guidelines in support of the new Investment Law.
Indonesia
2006
Industry CompetitivenessIn cooperation with IFC/PENSA, FIAS provided strategic advice to the Indonesian Directorate General of Geology and Mineral Resources on the promotion of backward linkages between the mining industries and local suppliers of goods and services.
Indonesia
2006
Administrative BarriersFIAS worked in partnership with IFC PENSA-SMEs facility in Indonesia to provide technical assistance to improve business regulations and administrative procedures at the sub-national level in Indonesia; that is at regencies (Kabupaten) and municipalities (Kota) levels.
Indonesia
2005
Administrative BarriersPrepared a desk-research based paper that was presented to the Government of Indonesia and other donors, examining ways of reducing Indonesia’s lengthy (151 days) business start-up procedures.
Indonesia
2003
Institutions Provided advice on the establishment of the proposed National Investment Team in association with the Asian Development Bank.
Indonesia
2002
Investment policy: Law Provided a desk review of a draft of a proposed new investment law.
Indonesia
2001
Administrative Barriers Assisted in redesigning an implementation project that had been based on previous FIAS recommendations.
Indonesia
2001
Diagnostic Examined the potential problems and recommended ways of addressing the issues identified based on the proposed devolution of authority from the national government to the third level (district) governments.
Indonesia
2000
Administrative Barriers Designed a program to overcome administrative and other barriers to the flow of FDI for the Eastern Provinces.
Indonesia
1999
Diagnostic: Approvals/Licenses Examined the various permits and licenses required to establish foreign-owned enterprises.
Indonesia
1998
Administrative Barriers Reviewed impediments to FDI in the Eastern Provinces and identified ways provincial and district authorities could address them. Also reviewed investment opportunities for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the Eastern Provinces.
Indonesia
1996
Backward linkages II Reviewed the policy aspects of developing backward linkages between foreign and domestic firms.
Indonesia
1996
Institutions: FDI database Reviewed the existing FDI data sources, definition and classification, and the inter-agency collaboration, making recommendations to improve data collection, quality, coverage, and consistency.
Indonesia
1995
Backward linkages Reviewed the policy aspects of developing backward linkages between foreign and domestic firms.
Indonesia
1995
Investment policy Conducted an extensive survey on further liberalization of ownership and control restrictions.
Indonesia
1991
Institutions Assisted in the formulation of an investment promotion strategy and, more specifically, the roles of the national and regional investment institutions in that strategy.
Indonesia
1990
Promotion strategy Reviewed policy and regulatory impediments to foreign investment in the agricultural sector with the intent of increasing such investment.
Indonesia
1989
Sector (Agriculture) Conducted a review of impediments to FDI in the agricultural sector.
Indonesia
1988
Diagnostic Reviewed the regulatory framework for foreign investment, together with IBRD.
Kiribati
1997
Diagnostic Conducted a diagnostic review of the investment climate.
Lao PDR
2005
Investment policy: LawHeld workshop to increase awareness of key issues by the foreign investment law drafting committee.
Lao PDR
1992
Investment policy: Economic Zones Reviewed the feasibility of an export processing zone to promote FDI.
Malaysia
2003
Backward linkages Evaluated the spillover effects from multinational companies to local suppliers over the past decade. A presentation was made to government officials and the main findings were integrated into the assessment of their global strategy for maximizing the positive impact of FDI.
Malaysia
1994
Institutions Helped the Industrial Development Authority to strengthen its promotional and facilitation functions.
Malaysia
1992
Incentives Conducted a comparative assessment of the investment incentive system.
Malaysia
1992
Institutions Helped the Industrial Development Authority design a system to monitor FDI.
Malaysia
1988
Institutions Helped the Ministry of Trade and Industry officials improve techniques for the economic evaluation of foreign investment proposals.
Maldives
2003
Investment policy/Institutions Reviewed existing investment laws and implementation guidelines, and commented on the current institutional arrangements for investment promotion.
Maldives
1994
Diagnostic Conducted a diagnostic study of the investment climate.
Marshall Islands
2006
Administrative BarriersIn association with the ADB, FIAS examined investment-related problems that foreign investors experience in dealing with the variety of administrative authorities, processes and procedures at various stages in the investment process.
Marshall Islands
2004
Investment policy Helped the government to review, refine, and update its national investment policy statement, which clarified policy regarding investment as well as its intended policy changes relating to investments, particularly FDI.
Marshall Islands
1998
Incentives Reviewed the current investment incentive scheme.
Marshall Islands
1998
Investment policy: Law Prepared guidelines for amending the Foreign Investment Business License Act, the Protection of Resident Workers Act, and the Business Corporations Act.
Marshall Islands
1996
Diagnostic Conducted a diagnostic review of the investment climate.
Micronesia
2000
Investment policy: Law Conducted a comprehensive FDI legislative review and provided advice on revisions to individual state legislation.
Micronesia
1999
Investment policy: Law Assisted in the development of state FDI legislation.
Micronesia
1997
Investment policy: Law (Implementation) Assisted in the implementation of earlier recommendations for a revised legal framework to attract foreign investment.
Micronesia
1995
Investment policy Focused on the appropriate legislative framework to attract FDI.
Mongolia
2003
Investment policy/Institutions Provided elementary investment promotion training for staff from the national Investment Promotion Agency (IPA) and helped with the preparation of a new Investment Policy Statement.
Mongolia
2001
Investment policy: Law Reviewed a draft of a new investment law, providing written commentary and a briefing for a Mongolian delegation.
Mongolia
1999
Promotion strategy Assisted in the implementation of an investment promotion strategy as a follow-up to a previous project.
Mongolia
1998
Institutions: Training Organized training for the Foreign Investment Board staff and helped strengthen the investor servicing unit.
Mongolia
1998
Investment policy: Law Reviewed and commented on the draft FDI law.
Mongolia
1997
Investment policy: Law Helped in the revision of the investment law.
Mongolia
1997
Promotion strategy Drafted a report and organized a Roundtable on the relationship between investment environment and investment promotion.
Mongolia
1993
Diagnostic Conducted a diagnostic review of the investment climate.
Nepal
2007
DiagnosticThrough the use of the investment climate mini-diagnostic, a quick-response tool developed by FIAS, FIAS identified critical regulatory constraints to private investment; proposed reform options; gauged whether conditions exist for sustainable implementation of proposed solutions; and assessed the scope of and helped frame subsequent technical assistance in Nepal.
Nepal
2007
Special economic zonesFIAS, together with IFC-SEDF, supported a detailed review of the Special Economic Zone Act and recommended reforms based on international good practice, including private sector participation in development and operations; removing export obligations; permitting a wider range of activities; removing fiscal incentives; creating a stable and efficient regulatory environment; introducing labor regulation flexibility while upholding labor rights; adopting a clear institutional structure; and enforcing market-based site location and pricing. A short exposure visit to Bangladesh's EPZs was also undertaken for key officials from the Nepal SEZ Project Office.
Nepal
1999
Sector: Infrastructure Examined the legal and institutional framework for FDI in the country's infrastructure.
Nepal
1997
Incentives Reviewed the incentives regime and the legal framework for foreign investment.
Nepal
1993
Diagnostic Conducted a diagnostic review of the investment climate.
Pakistan
2006
Industry CompetitivenessFIAS, in collaboration with the World Bank’s PSD Department, led a pilot VCA study in Pakistan to identify the critical policy and regulatory constraints to increased competitiveness of key sectors - dairy, mining, fisheries, garments, auto parts – by tracing the costs of representative products from the sourcing of raw materials to delivery of the final product in the market. Results from this project can be seen in the World Bank’s Growth and Competitiveness Report, the NWFP Economic Report, and the Rural Development Report.
Pakistan
2005
Administrative BarriersProvided the Government with a registration and licensing regime in light of the costs it imposes on potential investors. Based on the results of an Administrative and Regulatory Costs Survey (ARCS), business focus groups, and meetings with key government ministries, detailed recommendations were presented for removing the critical administrative bottlenecks to investment.
Pakistan
2005
DiagnosticDefined the scope of a series of four service sector analyses. This involved: (i) preparation of an Aide Memoire detailing informed hypotheses on the key policy and institutional issues constraining productive investments; (ii) development of a Project Design Document to guide the Government in undertaking a comprehensive diagnostic of factors constraining productivity and, subsequently, the design and implementation of solutions for these sectors; and (iii) a Workshop for GoP stakeholders to discuss the economic case for productivity in Pakistan, and outline how best to move forward on reform, including by identifying candidates for a Government team to drive the sectoral analysis and reform processes.
Pakistan
2004
Administrative Barriers Prepared a PSD strategy for the Northwest Frontier Province.
Pakistan
1999
Investment Policy/Institutions Reviewed the country's FDI policy and assessed the investment promotion agency.
Pakistan
1994
Institutions Completed a comprehensive technical assistance program by advising the newly established Pakistan Investment Board on investment facilitation.
Pakistan
1994
Promotion strategy Assisted in the development of a promotion strategy.
Pakistan
1993
Institutions Developed a strategy to strengthen the Pakistan Investment Board.
Pakistan
1992
Diagnostic Conducted a diagnostic study of the investment climate.
Pakistan
1990
Diagnostic Reviewed the role of government in attracting FDI.
Palau
2003
Investment policy: Law Undertook a desk review of the draft implementing regulations for the FDI Bill.
Palau
2002
Investment policy: Law Supplied support documentation to the Chamber of Commerce and reviewed the government-prepared draft FDI Bill.
Palau
2001
Investment policy: Law Reviewed draft legislation for new foreign investment act and provided comments and recommendations for enhancements.
Palau
1999
Diagnostic Prepared an assessment of the country's foreign investment climate.
Papua New Guinea
2004
Diagnostic Conducted an independent review of the current status of the FDI environment, with prioritized recommendations on practical actions that could improve the investment climate.
Papua New Guinea
1989
Investment policy: Law Prepared a revision of the investment law.
Philippines
2006
Investment Laws, Policies, & PromotionWith inputs from MIGA, FIAS provided assistance with the development of a foreign investment retention, expansion and diversification (RED) program with the Board of Investments.
Philippines
2005
Linkages/SpilloverExamined linkages that occur following a foreign investment and to assess the subsequent flow-on impacts and policy constraints to such linkages and flow-ons.
Philippines
2002
Incentives/Investment Policy Conducted a review of the country's investment incentives legislation.
Philippines
2000
Administrative Barriers Designed a process for implementing the recommendations previously provided to the local government in Mindanao, specifying the institutional arrangements necessary and defining the broad terms of reference for the main agencies and players involved.
Philippines
1999
Diagnostic Identified impediments to foreign investment at the local government-level in Mindanao and examined possible remedies.
Philippines
1997
Sector: Infrastructure Reviewed the policy implications of promoting FDI in the infrastructure sector.
Philippines
1996
Institutions Helped define an institutional framework and strategy for investment promotion.
Philippines
1995
Backward linkages II Reviewed the policy aspects of developing backward linkages between foreign and domestic firms.
Philippines
1992
Backward linkages Conducted a study designed to identify opportunities for, and impediments to, backward linkages between foreign and local firms.
Philippines
1992
Institutions Assisted in the reorientation of the BOIs from regulation to promotion of investment.
Philippines
1991
Promotion strategy Assisted in the preparation of a new investment promotion strategy.
Philippines
1990
FDI database Provided recommendations for improvements to the FDI database.
Philippines
1989
Investment policy: Swaps Helped the Central Bank assess whether the country should resume its debt-equity swaps program.
Philippines
1988
Sector (Agriculture) Helped the Department of Agriculture and Food determine how policy and institutional changes could stimulate domestic and foreign private investment to help reduce post-harvest losses of grains.
Regional
2000
Diagnostic Conducted a study of impediments to cross-border trade and investment in the Tumen region.
Regional (Pacific)
2006
Investment Laws, Policies, & PromotionFIAS presented two sessions, one on enhancing the investment policy environment, and one on the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency’s global benchmarking survey on the performance of investment promotion agencies (IPAs) at the 2005 HIPAM meeting.
Regional (Pacific)
2006
Administrative BarriersAs part of a regional program focused on Administrative Barriers, FIAS and the World Bank worked with the government of Tonga to identify investment-related problems that foreign investors experience in dealing with the variety of administrative authorities, processes and procedures at various stages in the investment process.
Regional (Pacific)
2005
InstitutionsManaged, supervised, and provided guidance to the content development consultant contracted by the Commonwealth Secretariat. Provided technical advisory assistance on content development issues.
Regional (Pacific)
2004
Investment policy Gathered information on a cross-section of screening practices and approvals mechanisms used by Pacific Island countries and examined their impact on foreign investment decisions and investment flows in the Pacific region.
Regional (Pacific)
2004
Investment policy Prepared monitoring and evaluation review and report on the changes and progress made by Pacific Forum Island Countries (FICs) in adopting and implementing investment policies that comply with APEC non-binding investment principles and suggested options that could be adopted by FICs in their ongoing effort to enhance the implementation of policies to comply with the APEC Principles.
Regional (Pacific)
2004
Linkages Examined the impact of investment-related policies and programs and their impact on the creation and development of linkages between foreign investors and domestic businesses, especially small and micro businesses in two Pacific Forum Island Countries (FICs) as well as identified linkages that occur following a foreign investment and assessed their subsequent flow-on impacts. Provided broad recommendations for FICs to promote, widen and deepen economic linkages.
Regional (Pacific)
2003
Institutions Prepared and presented papers on investor fraud and private-public partnerships, as well as providing general support to the Forum Secretariat for this regional meeting.
Regional (Pacific)
2003
Institutions: Training Conducted the last in a series of training programs for staff from Pacific IPAs, this course dealt with data collection and management.
Regional (Pacific)
2002
Institutions Assisted with agenda and technical content of meeting, presented and discussed papers, and provided training course on strategic planning. 
Regional (Pacific)
2001
Institutions Assisted the Forum Secretariat in setting the program, prepared a paper on investor screening, made a presentation on joint ventures, and actively participated in the meeting.
Regional (Pacific)
2001
Investment policy Prepared a report entitled "International Dispute Resolution Conventions" for consideration by Ministers and for inclusion in the official Forum Economic Ministers Meeting papers.
Regional (Pacific)
2001
Investment policy Assisted consultants contracted through the Forum Fisheries Agency to address foreign investment issues in the development of Tuna Management Plans for the Solomon Islands, Palau, and Vanuatu.
Regional (Pacific)
2000
Institutions Assisted the Forum Secretariat with 1999 Meeting for the Heads of Investment Promotion Agencies.
Regional (Pacific)
1998
Institutions: Training Organized training program for investment promotion agencies in Pacific on strategies to attract and keep foreign investors.
Regional (Pacific)
1998
Institutions: Training Organized training program for investment promotion agencies in Pacific on the essential elements of an investment policy framework.
Regional (Pacific)
1997
Investment policy Reviewed and commented on national investment policy statements of Pacific Forum Island Countries.
Regional (South Asia)
2005
Administrative BarriersA high level roundtable to discuss how international best practice in regulatory reform can be most appropriately tailored to local conditions, needs and priorities in countries of the South Asia Region.
Samoa
2007
Investment policyFIAS reviewed the Foreign Investment Act in Samoa and its draft regulations. FIAS developed a "principles" paper, which was used as the basis for intensive in-country consultations in Samoa. A final paper containing action recommendations was presented to the government.
Samoa
2006
Investment Laws, Policies, & PromotionThe government of Samoa requested FIAS’ and the World Bank’s services to implement regulatory reforms to improve the ease of Doing Business in Samoa, based on the World Bank’s Doing Business indicators, through a joint public/private sector task force.
Samoa
2002
Investment policy: Law (Implementation) Assisted with implementing the FDI Act.
Samoa
2001
Incentives Provided assistance in designing and developing a duty suspension scheme (DSS) for exporters to provide export led investments with appropriate access to world priced inputs.
Samoa
1999
Incentives Evaluated the investment incentive regime.
Samoa
1998
Investment policy Reviewed policy issues of importance to foreign investors, such as business licensing and work permits for expatriates.
Samoa
1995
Incentives Reviewed the investment incentives regime and the institutional arrangements for FDI.
Samoa
1992
Diagnostic Conducted a diagnostic review of the investment climate.
Solomon Islands
2007
Administrative Barriers [Implementation]As a follow-up to the administrative barriers project completed in March 2006, FIAS developed a policy statement on the employment and residency of foreign workers in the Solomon Islands, and drafted legislative guidelines reflecting the policy statement.
Solomon Islands
2006
Administrative BarriersFollowing FIAS assistance on foreign investment legislation, the government of the Solomon Islands requested further assistance on removing administrative barriers to investment in two key areas: business registration and labor and immigration.
Solomon Islands
2006
Investment Laws, Policies, & PromotionThis project assisted in the establishment and operation of a Foreign Investment Registry (FIR) function, which included designing an organizational structure and operating procedures, and developing and making operational a simple registry system.
Solomon Islands
2006
Investment Laws, Policies, & PromotionFIAS reviewed and assessed the Solomon Islands “location offer” to investors, the operation and effectiveness of the current system of investment incentives (tax and otherwise), and the appropriateness of special economic zones within the "location offer".
Solomon Islands
2005
Investment policy: LawPrepared drafting guidelines, draft policy statement and facilitate public consultation.
Solomon Islands
2000
Investment policy: Law Provided drafting guidelines for a new investment promotion agency and for new foreign investment legislation to replace the existing Investment Act.
Solomon Islands
1997
Investment policy: Law Conducted a review of the investment law.
Sri Lanka
2004
Competition Policy Conducted a conference to analyze the relationship between competition, productivity, competitiveness, economic growth, and poverty reduction, and review the state of competition.
Sri Lanka
1993
Promotion strategy Assisted in the development of an investment promotion strategy.
Sri Lanka
1991
Diagnostic Assisted in the preparation of an investment policy and institutional framework for FDI.
Sri Lanka
1991
Institutions Assisted in the development of a new institutional and procedural framework to attract FDI.
Thailand
2006
Administrative BarriersWorking closely with Thailand’s Board of Investment, FIAS conducted an administrative barriers to investment study in Thailand. The study also included an ARCS survey and application of FIAS agency templates.
Thailand
2000
Incentives Reviewed the country's investment incentives and made proposals for changes.
Thailand
1999
Promotion strategy Arranged a seminar for the government on the impact of World Trade Organization (WTO) rules on FDI promotion.
Thailand
1998
Promotion strategy Participated in the implementation of a promotion strategy for the Eastern Seaboard.
Thailand
1995
Promotion strategy Prepared a framework for a promotion strategy for the Eastern Seaboard region.
Thailand
1992
Backward linkages Conducted a study designed to identify opportunities for, and impediments to, backward linkages between foreign and local firms.
Thailand
1990
Backward linkages Reviewed backward linkage experience of selected countries and their relevance in Thailand.
Thailand
1988
Incentives Reviewed Thailand's investment policy and incentives strategy in light of the objectives in the Sixth National Economic and Social Plan.
Tonga
2006
Investment Laws, Policies, & PromotionIn conjunction with the World Bank, FIAS proposed improvements in regulations and streamlined procedures affecting private sector investment and activity through a public/private Task Force and working groups focused on the specific reform areas of starting a business, licenses, permits and inspections, immigration, and fishing.
Tonga
2002
Investment policy: Law Assisted government in transforming legislative drafting guidelines into bills and with the facilitation of bills through the Legislative Assembly.
Tonga
2001
Incentives Reviewed the effectiveness of the current tax-based scheme and assessed the impact of incentives on investor location, technology, timing, market choices, and the economic development of Tonga.
Tonga
2000
Investment policy Provided an explanatory report with recommendations and drafting guidelines for amending the Licenses Act, for creating new foreign investment legislation, and for repealing the Investment Development Incentives Act.
Tonga
1996
Diagnostic Conducted a diagnostic review of the investment climate.
Vanuatu
2005
Investment policy: LawAssisted VIPA to develop a National Investment Policy Statement. This will clarify the Vanuatu Government’s immediate policy regarding
investment as well as its intended policy changes relating to investments and, in particular, foreign direct investment. It will also ensure compliance with APEC.
Vanuatu
2005
Investment policy: LawDeveloped and delivered a capacity building workshop for Provincial authorities, in order to bring the six provincial authorities in Vanuatu in compliance with the new national investment policy statement (NIPS). It also provided guidance in their preparation of good practice provincial investment policies.
Vanuatu
2000
Institutions Provided drafting guidelines for a new investment promotion agency.
Vanuatu
1998
Investment policy/Institutions Assisted the government in preparing drafting guidelines for an act to establish an investment promotion agency.
Vanuatu
1997
Investment policy Provided comments on the amendment of the Business License Act and the Work Permits Act.
Vanuatu
1996
Investment policy Assisted in the preparation of a documented foreign investment policy.
Vietnam
2007
Administrative Barriers [Implementation]FIAS assessed the current shortcomings in the legal and institutional framework for movable asset financing (secured transactions) in Vietnam and provided concrete recommendations for reform that will allow broad use of movable assets as collateral.
Vietnam
2005
Diagnostic: Access to LandPrepared a report outlining in details the methodology to undertake a study on land issues from the private sector perspective in Vietnam. Conducted over a 6- week period primarily by local consultants (a lawyer and an economist) with the support of FIAS and an international expert on land related issues.
Vietnam
2005
Investment policy: LawSupported the Government’s efforts to prepare a new Unified Enterprise Law (UEL) and a new Comprehensive Investment Law (CIL). Includes research into the impact of proposed changes to the present investment law, reviews of drafts of the CIL and support to various key agencies in their discussions with various important stakeholder groups.
Vietnam
2004
Investment policy: Law Prepared Discussion Note on creating a Unified Law on Foreign and Domestic Investment in Vietnam.
Vietnam
2000
Investment policy: Economic Zones Mobilized economic zone experts and investment policy experts to share experience on zone objectives, location, design and management with the Vietnamese Investment Zone Authority and other government departments.
Vietnam
1999
Administrative Barriers Examined impediments to the establishment and operation of foreign investments in Vietnam.
Vietnam
1998
Sector: Infrastructure Reviewed BOT regulations to better facilitate FDI in the infrastructure sector.
Vietnam
1996
Sector: Infrastructure Reviewed the country's experience in attracting and implementing FDI into infrastructure projects and evaluated obstacles to increasing such FDI in Vietnam.
Vietnam
1995
Investment policy Reviewed the policy implications of promoting FDI in the infrastructure sector.
Vietnam
1994
Investment policy: Approval/promotion Assisted in improving coordination of approval procedures and promotional activities.
Vietnam
1993
Investment policy: Law Conducted a study on the role of bilateral, regional and multilateral legal instruments to encourage FDI.
Vietnam
1991
Investment policy Established priorities for legal reforms to encourage and accelerate the flow of FDI.