Corporate Advice strengthens and promotes the development of the private sector by providing direct assistance to firms. In the Mekong region, the main emphasis is on Corporate Governance, where we aim to raise standards and practices in Vietnam, and Supply Chain Linkages, where SMEs are integrated into larger business supply chains to improve quality, efficiencies, income levels, and ultimately reduce poverty in the three countries.
Across the Mekong region, our Supply Chain Linkage work is helping to add value in sectors that show potential for much greater growth in rural and urban areas. The program promotes SME development in supply chains, enhances SME competitiveness and image, and subsequently creates livelihoods for poorer people with little education or training. It focuses predominantly on agribusiness and forestry products, with an ongoing bamboo sector intervention in Lao PDR and Vietnam, and activities focused on cash crops of coffee in Vietnam and rice, cashew nuts, rubber, and fruit and vegetables in Cambodia.
Through our regional program, global IFC expertise, and collaboration with government and public institutions, we will provide advice to companies on board practices, shareholder rights, internal control environment, transparency, and disclosure. We also aim to introduce and strengthen corporate governance practices at the country level by working with regulators, educational institutions, and the private sector. In addition, our work with educational institutions supports new coursework for future business leaders, alongside media training programs to help ensure familiarity with corporate governance issues.
IFC supports the efforts of the Global Corporate Governance Forum and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) in raising awareness and encouraging good governance and transparency in business practice.
