Examples: 1) In Russia, a series of comprehensive diagnostics concluded that the most important constraints to private sector development related to access to commercial land and real estate. Lack of transparent and defensible property rights for immovable assets deprived businesses of collateral needed to finance operations and made firms susceptible to extortion by municipal authorities since most land remains publicly owned. FIAS is assisting the Russian Ministry of Economic Development and Trade, the “champion of reforms” in land and real estate in Russia, in drafting a law on privatization of plots of land under privately-owned enterprises. 2) In Armenia, FIAS worked to analyze the country’s collateral laws and the newly established collateral registry, and agreed on an action plan to enhance access to finance. FIAS also plans to help the government streamline administrative procedures and establish capacities for better regulations. Past Projects: For more information about the region, please contact the Regional Program Coordinators: Jackie Coolidge [Europe] and Gokhan Akinci [Central Asia, Caucasus, and Turkey]. For more information about FIAS' program in Russia - Russian and English |