World Bank Group and EBRD Launch Business Environment Survey in Tajikistan
In Dushanbe:
Iskandar Usmonov
Phone: (+992 48) 701 14 68
E-mail: IUsmonov@ifc.org
Dushanbe, Tajikistan, July 16, 2008—IFC,
the World Bank, and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development
have announced a joint initiative in Tajikistan—the fourth round of the
Business and Enterprise Performance Survey. IFC has joined the initiative
for the first time, and the survey will now cover issues specific to its
advisory activities. The regional data from the survey will complement
IFC’s efforts to monitor changes in the business enabling environment
and will assess the impact of regulations.
The objective is to obtain feedback
on the state of the private sector in client countries. Through interviews
with 360 firms in the manufacturing and services sectors, the survey will
assess the constraints to private sector growth and create statistically
significant business environment indicators that are comparable with other
countries.
The World Bank is implementing the business
environment survey worldwide using a standardized questionnaire adapted
to each country. Topics include the adoption of technology and innovation,
competition, the qualifications of the workforce, informality, access to
financial services, infrastructure, and the impact of government regulations.
The survey will continue gathering data
to provide year-to-year, cross-country business environment measures. It
will also revisit previously interviewed businesses to compile comprehensive
panel data that will allow researchers to track changes in the business
environment, measure the effect of these changes on establishment performance
over time, and assess the effects of reforms.
The research team began interviews in
May, and the preliminary results are expected in September 2008. The results,
together with additional information from other investigations, will form
the basis of policy recommendations to the government for promoting investment,
productivity, and economic growth.
About IFC
IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, fosters sustainable economic
growth in developing countries by financing private sector investment,
mobilizing private capital in local and international financial markets,
and providing advisory and risk mitigation services to businesses and governments.
IFC’s vision is that people should have the opportunity to escape poverty
and improve their lives. In FY07, IFC committed $8.2 billion and mobilized
an additional $3.9 billion through syndications and structured finance
for 299 investments in 69 developing countries. IFC also provided advisory
services in 97 countries. For more information, visit www.ifc.org.
About EBRD
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, established in
1991, is the largest single investor in central and eastern Europe and
the CIS. It provides project financing for banks, industries, and small
and midsize businesses, covering both new ventures and investments in existing
companies. It also works with publicly owned companies to support privatization,
restructuring of state-owned firms, and improvement of municipal services.
EBRD uses its close relationship with governments in the region to promote
policies that will bolster the business environment. For more information,
visit www.ebrd.org.
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