Industry Specific BEE

A Rough Guide to Investment Climate Reform in Conflict-Affected Countries (July 2009)

This guide is designed to help project teams engaged in investment climate reform in conflict-affected countries more effectively design, plan, implement, and evaluate reform projects. In this guide investment climate refers to government laws, policies, regulations, and procedures that improve institutional governance, bureaucratic efficiency, and industry competitiveness.

Nepal - Creating a Competitive SEZ Regime (April 2008)

This report was prepared jointly by the World Bank Group’s Foreign Investment Advisory Service (FIAS) and South Asia Enterprise Development Facility of the International Finance Corporation (IFC-SEDF), as a follow up to the Nepal: Mini-Diagnostic of the Investment Climate (FIAS-SEDF 2007) and at the request of the Government of Nepal. The purpose of the report is to provide recommendations for development of a legal and regulatory framework, including tax incentives, for special economic zones (SEZs), a new model for Nepal’s economy.

Special Economic Zones: Performance, Lessons Learned, and Implications for Zone Development (April 2008)

This paper examines 30 years of experience in zones, reviewing development patterns and economic impacts of zones worldwide. The experience shows that while zones have been effective in addressing economic growth and development objectives, they have not been uniformly successful; success in East Asia and Latin America has been difficult to replicate in other regions, particularly Africa. To a great extent, zone initiatives have determined their outcomes from the outset, with the establishment of policy frameworks, incentive packages, and various other provisions and bureaucratic procedures. The experience suggests that maximizing the benefits of zones depends on the degree to which they are integrated with their host economies and the overall trade and investment reform agenda. When zones are specifically designed to pilot legal and regulatory reforms within a planned policy framework, they are more likely to ultimately succeed. Policymakers and practitioners in zone development may find the key considerations and lessons presented in this paper useful in planning and evaluating their zone initiatives.The end result of this project is a general framework for zone development, which is intended to help maximize future results for both host countries and investing firms.

Competitiveness and Corporate Social Responsibility in the Jordanian Apparel Industry (2008)

The CSR component exclusively focused on the textile and apparel industry in the Qualified Industrial Zones (QIZs). Its main objective was to assist the Government of Jordan to develop policies and incentives to reduce inspection and private auditing burden on manufacturers, while promoting systemic improvements in labor practices and continued competitiveness.

Competition Policy and Promotion of Investment, Economic Growth and Poverty Alleviation in Least Developed Countries (October 2007)

Competition between firms for customers can enhance both economic efficiency and consumer welfare. Yet the process of competition is not automatic. Even when economic reforms are put in place to ensure a pro-competitive business environment, the benefits of a strong market economy and the interests of consumers can be thwarted by anti-competitive business practices.

Moving Toward Competitiveness: A Value-Chain Approach (August 2007)

Moving Towards Competitiveness: A Value Chain Approach offers a practical and targeted approach to prioritize and address key policy and institutional constraints in the business environment that affect growth and competitiveness of firms in emerging economies. A strong positive business environment supported by sound policies and institutions is critical for private firms to grow, create new jobs and effectively function in global markets. The report offers practical tips and tools for practitioners working on value chains and the business environment, with insights on the use of metrics such as cost, time, value added and productivity. Drawing on case studies, the report gives useful policy insights underlying issues in the factor and product markets.