What is CIPE?

The Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE) is an affiliate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, established in 1983 to promote private enterprise and market-oriented reform worldwide. As a principal participant in the National Endowment for Democracy, CIPE supports strategies and techniques that address market-based democratic development. CIPE also receives support from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), as well as private corporations and foundations. Since its inceptions, CIPE has funded more than 550 projects in 70 countries and has conducted business association management training programs in Africa, Asia, Central and Eastern Europe, Latin America, the Middle East and the New Independent States.

The Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) has been implementing in co-operation with the Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE), an affiliate of the US Chamber of Commerce, Washington, USA an Economic Reform and Research Advocacy (ERRA) Project since July, 1999. Under this project, 38 Economic Policy Papers (EPPs) are being prepared with a view to lobbying with the government organizations for consideration of the recommendations with regard to policy changes, if any, to support the businesses in Bangladesh for smooth and unhindered operation both at home and abroad.

Activities of the DCCI-CIPE/ERRA Project

In this seventh year of the project, DCCI will build on previous success in improving government commitment to an open market economy and move to analyzing policy obstacles that hinder the development of private businesses in Bangladesh, specifically focusing on corporate governance. DCCI will publish and disseminate policy papers with specific recommendations for reform that will become the heart of its advocacy campaign.

The advocacy dimension of the project will consist of the following activities:

i. Policy analysis and production of Economic Policy Papers (EPPs) on issues related to improving competitiveness of local firms, increasing foreign investment, and strengthening regional economic integration.

ii. Dissemination of the EPPs to government officials, legislators, opinion leaders, academics, think tanks, trade organizations, businesses, and the media.

iii. Surveys of public opinion and other follow-up actions through advocacy with the mass media for creating greater awareness of the need for reform.

Objectives of the DCCI-CIPE/ERRA Project

i. To encourage a more positive and productive dialogue among government, legislators, and business on key economic policy issues.

ii. To assist legislators and government officials in formulating policies, laws, and regulations that promote a more open economic environment in Bangladesh, conducive to private-sector-led economic growth by providing technical information on key reforms.