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Administrative Barriers Review: Business Intermediaries Survey of
Six Key BEI in collaboration with SEDF and FIAS conducted a review of Administrative Barriers to private enterprise in Bangladesh, targeting six key issues. In the case of Environmental Clearance Certificate, Location Clearance Certificate, Duty Drawback by Customs, Customs Clearances for Equipment and Machinery Imports, surveys of business intermediaries were conducted. In the case of the other two, namely Bonded Warehouse Licensing and Foreign Loan Documentation, firm level surveys were conducted. The surveys were designed to identify constraints faced by the private sector in the process of obtaining these documents. This was done using a generic FIAS Survey instrument, with suitable modifications specifically applicable to the six target issues. BEI hired and trained all required surveyors and data entry personnel for this survey. The questionnaire was pre-tested on intermediaries and firms. Relevant changes to the questionnaire were made. Researchers from BEI oversaw the implementation of the field survey and entry of the data generated, ensuring the quality of the survey. BEI prepared a report on the findings of the survey for FIAS and SEDF.
Administrative Barriers Review: Process Mapping of Six Key Target
Issues
BEI, in collaboration with SEDF and FIAS, conducted the first Bangladesh Administrative Barriers Review (ABR) in 2005 – 2006. As part of this Review, BEI looked at six key regulatory issues that serve as barriers to investment and private sector development. The key issues examined were Environmental and Location Clearance Certification, Duty Drawback, Customs Clearance for Capital Machinery Imports, Bonded Warehouse Licensing and Foreign Loan Documentation. The Review incorporated a three-pronged approach, examining the view points of the Government of Bangladesh through a detailed process mapping, of business intermediaries and firms through a survey, and of the private sector in general through Focus Group Discussions (FGDs). Based on these inputs, BEI prepared a comprehensive report and presented the findings to stakeholders at a workshop in February 2006. The first ABR was an integral part of the design phase of the Bangladesh Private Sector Development Support Project. Advocacy and
Capacity Building on Competition Policy and Law in Asia Together with CUTS International, India, BEI undertook a project titled Advocacy and Capacity Building on Competition Policy and Law in Asia. This research and capacity building project is a multi-country initiative (Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Cambodia, Lao PDR and Vietnam) implemented in Bangladesh with support from DFID, UK to accelerate the process towards functional policy and law in the country. Under the scope of this project a Country Report as well as a Country Advocacy Document on Competition Policy and Law in Bangladesh were prepared in consultation with a national reference group and disseminated to key stakeholders through multiple meetings and seminars. The first of its kind project in Bangladesh significantly advanced the knowledge and capacity of local stakeholders to understand issues related to Competition Policy, and chalked out a detailed strategy to raise awareness and effect changes to institute a competition regime in Bangladesh. Advocating for
Broadcast Media Liberalization in Bangladesh BEI in collaboration with KATALYST had undertaken a comprehensive research project on ‘Broadcast Media Liberalization in Bangladesh’. The project involved intensive research at global level to identify the role of liberalized media in developing the private sector as well as in social and community development. In the process, this study was explored the constraints to broadcast media liberalization in Bangladesh. Under this project, policy recommendations and a media report on liberalization of broadcast media was disseminated. A high level advocacy group was formed which includes former senior civil servants, leading private sector representatives, academics, high-profile media personalities, and civil society activists. Under this project, study visits had taken place to Malaysia, India, Nepal, and in the near future would travel to Indonesia, and Sri Lanka. Mr. Shahab Enam Khan was working as the Lead Researcher for this project. Anti
Corruption Project For further information please contact with Mr. M. H. Khaleque, Project Director,BEI. Bangladesh
India Dialogue for young Leaders – 2005 The third Bangladesh-India dialogue of young Politicians, Academics and Journalists was held from 17-19th January, 2006 in Dhaka. As many as 24 young leaders from various parts of India had been invited to exchange views with their Bangladeshi counterparts on a wide range of issues including, border issues and security perceptions, interlinking of rivers and water sharing issues, trade, economic and investment outlook, foreign policy perception, regional and sub-regional cooperation incentives, energy, communications including roads, railways and ports cooperation and how best to Indo-Bangladesh relation.
Bangladesh-India Dialogue for Young Journalists BEI believes that in order to further co-operation between Bangladesh and India, special attention needs to be given to encourage the both the Bangladeshi and Indian media; electronic and print, to give a more positive and objective coverage of the bilateral relations and developments between the two countries. To make this possible, two Dialogues between young journalists were organized with the assistance of the British High Commission in Dhaka and held at the BEI conference room. The first took place on 7th and 8th of September 2004, and the second on 30th November and 1st of December 2004. A total of eight keynote papers were presented on key issues between Bangladesh and India. BEI-SEDF
Business Advisory Service for SMEs The Bangladesh Enterprise Institute with support from the South Asia Enterprise Development Facility (SEDF) implemented a project to identify the difficulty in obtaining precise and accurate information about regulatory process at regulatory agencies to be key constraints that severely affects SMEs in Bangladesh. BSAS was set up to investigate and collect data to identify the experience of SMEs in going through the regulatory processes. In March 2004, the BEI-SEDF SME Advisory Service conducted an impact assessment study to evaluate the impact of the display boards placed at regulatory agencies. Data was collected through multiple survey instruments and the results were compared with findings from a study conducted at the same regulatory agencies. Case Studies
on Corporate Social Responsibility Practices of Selected Bangladeshi
Firms In partnership with East West University, BEI completed six case studies to profile CSR practice of Bangladeshi firms from different sectors. The case studies highlight how CSR is being used a strategic tool by Bangladeshi businesses to align their goals with the interests of their stakeholders for a win-win situation for all. Three documentary features were also developed based on these case studies and are part of an ongoing BEI initiative to raise CSR awareness in Bangladesh and to highlight the success of firms that have adopted CSR principles. Preliminary findings of the project suggest that the level of understanding of CSR is still rudimentary in Bangladesh and that firms often do not distinguish between CSR practices and philanthropy. In Bangladesh, the challenge of getting wider acceptance of CSR within the business community is to be able to demonstrate that, rather than a one-off cost, investment in CSR will lead to long run returns for firms in terms of increased productivity and increased customer satisfaction. Certificate
Course on Multilateral System and its Impact on Bangladesh BEI and North South University (NSU) organized a two-month certificate course on The Multilateral System and its Impact on Bangladesh. The lectures were designed to equip young minds and enable them to advance their careers by enhancing their capacity to objectively appraise events, developments and strategic shifts in international relations and in multilateral forums. The course provided the participants with an insight into and an understanding of core issues regarding the multilateral system and the impact of the operation of these systems on Bangladesh. Bangladesh’s relations with multilateral agencies and organizations were the centerpiece of this course. Former ambassadors and local experts delivered lectures on issues, including the multilateral system, raison d’etre for establishing UN, EU, WTO, World Bank, IMF, IFC, SAARC, economic diplomacy and nuclear proliferation. Charting a Roadmap
for Transition to Business-to-Business e-Commerce This study produced a comprehensive research-based report with the objective of providing a solid foundation for e-Commerce policy dialogues and concrete strategic steps to be taken by different stakeholders, such as the private sector, the government, law-makers, and academia. The study primarily aimed to bring into focus: § global trends in B2B e-Commerce and its importance for Bangladesh, § quantifiable benefits of the private sector in moving towards e-Commerce, § specific steps and initiatives that may be undertaken by private companies, § support required from the government in terms of infrastructure, legal framework, policies, and incentives, § preparedness of the IT industry and technical human resource for e-Commerce, and § the need for international standard business curricula in Bangladesh. Comparative
Analysis of Corporate Governance in South Asia - Charting a Roadmap
for Bangladesh (Stage1, Stage 2 & stage 3) The roadmap was a diagnostic assessment of the corporate governance regulations and practices in Bangladesh compared to its neighbors: India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The assessment was measured against international norms and current practices as recognized by the OECD Guidelines on Corporate Governance. The report identified critical areas where institutions, regulations, or other economic factors in the corporate sector could be strengthened to improve Corporate Governance (CG). This report identified that the relatively low level of international investment in Bangladesh does not provide a sufficient motivation for improving CG, nor are there many traditional domestic motivations for improvement in CG practices in Bangladesh. As Bangladesh begins to focus on the development of the private sector, strong corporate governance is a key part of increasing economic efficiency and efficiently utilizing domestic investment to achieve greater economic development. Good corporate governance practices will help develop and stimulate better business management, strategic management, and risk management. In the long term this will make Bangladeshi businesses more competitive. Cooperation
and Security in South Asia – Post 9/11 In 2003 and 2004, BEI hosted two regional workshops on Strengthening Cooperation and Security in South Asia Post 9/11 with the objective of encouraging regional cooperation in the areas not covered under SAARC. CSR Centre
Business Plan For further information please contact with Mr. Iftekar Ahmed, Project Director, BEI. Design of the
Bangladesh Private Sector Development Project (PSDSP) BEI was instrumental in facilitating the design phase activities of the Bangladesh Private Sector Development Support Project, a multi-development partner initiative aimed at improving the investment climate of Bangladesh. The project was designed in the context of the end of the Multi-Fiber Agreement (MFA) on December 31, 2004, and focused on increasing competitiveness in the global market by diversifying the export basket of Bangladesh. The project was supported by all the major donors in Bangladesh, including the World Bank, DFID, EC, CIDA, IFC, SEDF, FIAS, ADB and the Japanese Government. The project was designed to take forward the recommendations of the Roundtables on An Enabling Environment and Free Zones for Investment Promotion and Export Competitiveness in Bangladesh held on December 13 and 14, 2004, organized by BEI and the Foreign Investment Advisory Service (FIAS), with support from the World Bank, DFID, IFC, EC, CIDA and JICA. The recommendations from the Roundtables were used to develop the concept of a large project on Private Sector Development, focusing on three key thematic areas: Regulatory Reform, Special Economic Zones and the Capacity Building of Government of Bangladesh officials. Developing a
Trade Strategy for Greater Jossore For further information please contact with Mr. M. H. Khaleque, Project Director,BEI. Development of
a Public-Private Partnership Readiness (PPP – Readiness) Assessment
Framework for Countries in the South Asia Pacific Region As an element of the capacity – building component of ESCAPS’s 5-P project, the secretariat had developed a draft framework for the assessment of a country’s Public-Private Partnership Readiness. The assessment framework was used to develop an action plan to strengthen a country’s PPP-readiness and to assess and benchmark the current state of PPP- readiness and capacity of the public sector in developing and implementing PPP projects including pro-poor projects. The secretariat would like to framework in a few countries including Bangladesh for future refinement of the framework as well as an assessment of the support needed to assist countries in improving their PPP-readiness and enhancing the capacity of the public sector. Considering its experience in the field, interest and past experiences, BEI was chosen as the partner institution to assist ESCAP in refining the draft framework and piloting it in Bangladesh.
Environmentally and Socially Responsible Business (ESRB) Practices
Guideline for the Banking Sector BEI, with support from KATALYST, developed an environmentally and Socially Responsible Business (ESRB) practices guideline for the banking sector. Taking into account of the relationships between banks and other financial institutions on one side, and private enterprises on the other, both in terms of asset/lending and liability/deposit basis, these frequent interactions offer plenty of opportunity to address and promote Environmental Socially Responsible Business (ESRB) practices. Financial institutions, therefore, had a tremendous potential to play an important role in disseminating information among their commercial clients and in stimulating them into sustainable business practices. Empirical evidence suggests that the level of awareness and understanding of ESRB practices is not very prevalent among Bangladeshi private enterprises. Many multinational banks, and even some foreign-owned banks, in Bangladesh had already adopted Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) requirements into their loan policy, as part of their sustainable business strategy and risk assessment in terms of “clean lending”. In contrast, the majority of local banks are not aware of this important tool for promoting sustainable business. Facilitating
and Promoting Trade between Bangladesh and North-East India A joint BEI-SEDF Northeast India Trade Secretariat has been set up with support from the South Asia Enterprise Development Facility (SEDF) at the Bangladesh Enterprise Institute (BEI) to serve as a platform to facilitate and promote trade between Northeast India and Bangladesh. Key functions of the Joint BEI-SEDF NEI Secretariat are to, serve as an information clearinghouse, provide logistic support to project researchers, advisors, and Core Group members, and facilitate central co-coordination between the project activities and core group members. Factors
Shaping Successful Public/Private Partnerships in ICT Sector The study was carried out in collaboration with the Commonwealth Policy Studies Unit, University of London. The objective of the study was to identify and inform public and private sector policy makers of the factors shaping successful pro-poor information society partnerships between business, government, the public sector and civil society. Feasibility
Study into the potential of and strategies for promoting Corporate
Social Responsibility in Bangladesh For further information please contact with Mr. Iftekar Ahmed, Project Director,BEI. Implementation
of DANIDA PSD Programme (2000-2005) in Bangladesh and
recommendations for a Strategy for 2006-2010 BEI was commissioned by Danida to review the implementation of their Private Sector Development Programme (2000-2005) to strengthen the programme and make recommendations for a future strategy for the next five years (2006-2010), based on the lessons they have learnt from the past. The purpose of the PSD Programme of Danida was to contribute to the economic growth and social development of the country by facilitating technology/know-how transfer and promoting sustainable, business-to-business partnerships between private companies in Bangladesh and Denmark. Under the Programme, the establishment of long-term business-to-business partnerships is supported with grants for subsidizing the costs of initial partner identification visits, feasibility studies required for assessing the scope of co-operation and subsequent training, technical assistance, technology adaptation, export promotion and improvement of working environment. Implications
of WTO Agreements on SMEs BEI, in collaboration with SEDF, conducted a Study on the Implications of WTO rules and regulations on the Small and Medium Enterprise sector in Bangladesh. The research study had two objectives. The principal objective was to explain the impact of WTO on the Small and Medium Enterprise Sector in Bangladesh in general and in particularly on the Agro Industry, Light Engineering and IT Sector. Second, a more comprehensive policy guide for lobbyist and policy makers was prepared which would be used at the training sessions and explain what types of policies can be used to develop and support SMEs under the WTO regulations. Investment
Climate Survey BEI conducted a 1000 firm level survey of Bangladesh as a collaborative effort with the World Bank. Similar surveys have been carried out or are currently being carried out in other developing countries, including India, Pakistan and China. The purpose of the study was to enable Bangladesh business houses to benchmark industrial performance against domestic and international competitors. Furthermore, the survey aimed to provide useful information about the investment climate of Bangladesh in an international context. In addition, it addressed issues related to finance, technology, relations with other firms, government regulations, contract enforcement, labor relations and international trade. The report provides a comprehensive picture of the environment in which businesses operate in Bangladesh. Investment for
Development This fact-finding and capacity-building project was carried out over two years. The project was funded by the Department for International Development (DFID), UK and was carried out in partnership with the Division on Investment, Technology and Enterprise Development of UNCTAD and in collaboration with the Consumer Unity and Trust Society (CUTS), India. The aim of the project was to raise awareness and capacity on investment issues across all stakeholders in the selected countries. Mapping of
Donor Initiatives for Private Sector Development In May 2003, BEI-SEDF SME Advisory Services (BSAS) was commissioned by the South Asia Enterprise Development Facility (SEDF) to conduct a short-term study to map the private sector development initiatives of the donor community in Bangladesh. A report was published detailing donor initiatives focused on private sector development (PSD) in Bangladesh. Productivity
Baseline Study BEI, in collaboration with Katalyst, conducted a productivity baseline study to map the productivity of enterprise in several areas including - Plastics, Agro-tools, Vegetables, Pond Fisheries, Bamboo, Poultry, Furniture and Maize. Baseline and benchmark data was collected from each sub sector from representative firms in selected geographical areas all over Bangladesh. The study had two objectives. One objective was "Impact Assessment”, which was, to establish the productivity baseline, thereby helping guide the design of market interventions and track changes in the future. The other objective was to do a "Benchmark Gap Analysis". This involved identifying factors attributing to the success of industry leaders so that others can replicate these factors. Reducing the
Cost of Doing Business in Bangladesh During the first phase of the project a report was prepared on the nature and scope of the existing hurdles faced by the business community. This report was took into account the work already done by different organizations and some of the findings of some recent surveys. Studies had been done on ports and customs, law enforcement, the legal framework, Board of Investment and on the utility services such as gas, electricity and telephones. The principal objective of the study was to put forward some practical recommendations which would help in improving the level of efficiency of key government departments and agencies which interact with the private sector. SME Panel
Surveys BEI carried out six surveys of 250 SMEs and was completed the sixth one in June 2006. The data collected from the surveys were being used to investigate a range of issues directly or indirectly related to public policy, such as export incentives and performance, technological improvement, government-business relations and pricing and quality of public services for industry. The survey work began in 2002 and was completed in 2006. Survey on
e-Government in Bangladesh The Bangladesh Enterprise Institute undertook a study on “e-Government in Bangladesh” in late 2003 and the report was launched in April 2004. BEI research team visited as many as 45 government Ministries / Divisions / Departments to investigate the present state of affairs regarding the introducing of e-Government and the progress made in their area. The
Urban Investment Climate Survey of Bangladesh 2006 The Bangladesh Enterprise Institute in collaboration with the World Bank Group has commenced the Urban Investment Climate Survey of Bangladesh 2006. A positive investment climate is a critical factor in determining the level of success the economy of Bangladesh can achieve in the face of an ever more dynamic and competitive global economy. The investment climate refers to the policy, regulatory, institutional and governance environment that supports (or fails to support) entrepreneurship and efficient markets. A sound investment climate increases the quality and quantity of private initiatives transacted in the market. It facilitates these transactions by efficiently allocating the risk that accompanies them, unleashing entrepreneurial creativity and productivity. Thus, a positive investment climate is integral to a vibrant economy of growth and prosperity providing sustainable solution to poverty and unemployment. BEI conducted the first Investment Climate Assessment in Bangladesh in 2003. Click here to read the report. Click here to read more about the project. Trade
Related Technical Assistance For further information please contact with Mr. M. H. Khaleque, Project Director,BEI.
Building Capacity in Business Journalism Professionals Building Capacity in Business
Journalism Professionals, an initiative undertaken by BEI with
support from the Center for International Private Enterprises
(CIPE), aims to create a demand for effective economic reporting,
and in turn, improve the quality of business journalism in
Bangladesh. BCBJP is envisioned to contribute towards the growth and
development of the private sector in Bangladesh by strengthening the
role of media as a “watch-dog”, which monitors and reports on
economic reforms and development. In Bangladesh, this “watchdog”
role of the media is constrained, due to limited training
opportunities for media professionals on business and economics
concepts, as well as, the problems and constraints faced by the
private sector in doing business in Bangladesh. This also prevents
the media from effectively advocating for pro-poor growth and
development strategies and prevents the benefits of these strategies
from being effectively communicated to society.
Corporate Governance Strengthening Project (CGSP) Corporate Governance is the system by which organizations are directed and controlled. The corporate governance structure specifies the distribution of rights and responsibilities among different participants in the organization, such as, the board, managers, shareholders, and spells out the rules and procedures for making decisions on the company's affairs. By doing this, it also provides the structure through which the company objectives and set, and the means of attaining those objectives and monitoring performance. BEI is committed to establishing sound practice of corporate governance in Bangladesh, through its continuous research, training, discussions and dialogues with key practitioners of governance, and to send a strong message to investors and observers in the international arena that Bangladesh has recognized the importance of corporate governance and is taking definite steps to improve its corporate governance performance in the private, public, and the non-governmental sector. The strategic goal of BEI's CGSP is to build the operating capacity to apply good corporate governance practices for economic and social development of Bangladesh, and thus make significant contribution toward encouraging investment, strengthening the capital market, boosting economic growth and reducing corruption. Click here to read more about the project.
CSR Code in support of women garments workers For further information please contact with Mr. Iftekar Ahmed, Project Director, BEI. Identifying Policy and
Public Benefit Interventions to Help Bangladesh achieve Annual
Migrant Remittances of USD 30 billion
Annual Migrant Remittances by 2015 BEI, with support from the Royal Danish Embassy, is conducting a study to identify policy and public benefit interventions and mobilizing commitment amongst government and public sector stakeholders in connection with the strategy to help bangladesh achieve an annual migrant remittance of USD 30 billion or more per annum by 2015.
Regional Integration and Development:
Bangladesh Perspective
Project Coordinator: Shahab Enam Khan Development Partner: Danish Embassy For further information please contact with Shahab Enam Khan, Project Director, BEI.
Building Capacity in Business
Journalism Professionals
Project Coordinator: Shahab Enam Khan Project Duration: March 1, 2007-April 30, 2008 Development Partner: CIPE For further information please contact with Shahab Enam Khan, Project Director, BEI.
Advocacy Project on Counter Terrorism
in Bangladesh
Project Coordinator: M. Shafiullah Project Duration: August 2007-June 2008 Development Partner: The British High Commission For further information please contact with M. Shafiullah, Project Director, BEI.
ICT for Rural Livelihood/SME
Development
Project Coordinator: Shahab Enam Khan Project Duration: December 2007-June 2008 Development Partner: Commonwealth Secretariat For further information please contact with Shahab Enam Khan, Project Director, BEI.
Facilitating Research and
Establishment of National Broadcasting Commission
Project Coordinator: Shahab Enam Khan Project Duration: August 2007-December 2007 Development Partner: KATALYST For further information please contact with Shahab Enam Khan, Project Director, BEI.
Promoting Good Governance: Key Reform
Challenges Facing Bangladesh
Project Coordinator: Ms. Sherina Tabassum Development Partner: UNDP For further information please contact with Ms. Sherina Tabassum, Project Director, BEI. |