Pakistan – This week CIPE partner The Policy Research Institute of Market Economy conducted a session with Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry to further CIPE’s policy advocacy initiative with business associations in Pakistan. The Sialkot Chamber has agreed to advocate for a business friendly export finance policy. The session was attended by 15 chamber members.
West Bank/Gaza – In cooperation with the Palestine Exchange, PGI convened a focus group meeting on improving the quality of annual reports published by listed firms. The meeting was attended by representatives from the Capital Market Authority, the World Bank, and An Najah University.
Bolivia –Fundación Milenio released its weekly economic analysis bulletin, featuring an analysis of Venezuela’s oil production and exports while Chavez led the country. This analysis is presented due to the close connection between the Bolivian and Venezuelan oil production companies, as well as governments. These economic analysis bulletins form part of CIPE’s and Milenio’s efforts to cultivate a more informed citizenship in the area of economic policy.
Kyrgyzstan – The Corporate Governance School (CGS) held an educational seminar on effective management for 15 members of executive committees on boards of directors in state-run enterprises. Participants represented key Kyrgyz industries, including transportation, utilities and finance. Two corporate governance experts made presentations on best management practices and the role of executive committees. Participants reviewed and discussed case studies.
Cambodia – CIPE partner Silaka conducted another training program on procurement monitoring and anti-corruption for the members of the Joint Procurement Monitoring Committee (JPMC), a coalition of non-governmental organizations and private businesses in the province of Kampong Thom. Silaka led the effort to establish this coalition and is building its capacity to eventually serve as an anti-corruption watchdog for provincial government procurement.
Kenya – CIPEs partner the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) held a meeting in Eldoret with 10 civil society organizations and business membership organizations to identify key issues affecting civil society to present to the newly elected governor.
Youth leadership and entrepreneurship program in Ecuador garners media attention; CIPE partner convenes seminar on corporate governance at An Najah University School of Media; CIPE Nigeria Country Director conducts interview with Punch newspaper discussing the business environment and challenges in Nigeria
CIPE Nigeria Country Director Omowumi Gbadamosi was intereviewed recently by the Nigerian newspaper Punch about the country's challenging business environment. She talked about how companies in Nigeria struggle with poor infrastructure, the cost of financing, and the poor security enviornment in many parts of the country. "But the good thing is that the challenges are not insurmountable," she added.
Three Winners Chosen by Voters from 642 Entries, 83 Countries
A picture is worth more than a thousand words – cartoons can speak across languages and across cultures. The Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE) is pleased to announce the winners of the 2012 Global Editorial Cartoon Competition. Artists from Iran, Spain, and Indonesia won in the Democratic Governance, Entrepreneurship, and Youth Empowerment categories.
Philippines – The Institute for Solidarity in Asia (ISA) conducted a strategy and planning session with De La Salle-College of St. Benilde, the first university to adopt ISA’s Performance Governance System (PGS). Originally designed as a tool for local government reform, ISA has adapted the PGS for central government agencies and, more recently, state-owned enterprises and civil society organizations.
