Afghanistan – This week CIPE conducted pre-testing at 40 high schools for students enrolled in the Tashabos youth entrepreneurship course. The scores will be compared to the results of the final test given at the end of the school year. In addition, CIPE conducted exhibitions for Tashabos students to display their handicrafts and other products. The exhibitions, held at Shirino Girls High School and Chilsotoon Girls High School, provide an opportunity for students gain experience in sales, marketing, and customer service.
Iraq – CIPE partner Shams Al Janoub organized a roundtable discussion on Maysan’s commercial sector for the Provincial Business Agenda. At the event, 19 participants represented the private commercial sector and included members of the Maysan Chamber of Commerce, Iraqi Businessmen Union - Maysan branch, academia, and the banking sector.
Bolivia – CIPE partner Fundación Milenio released its weekly economic analysis bulletin, featuring an analysis of the mining economy and its importance to Bolivia. 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. They are available for download in Spanish on Milenio’s website.
Azerbaijan – CIPE consultant Carmen Stanila facilitated a workshop for a group of 13 Azerbaijani university students and young professionals to learn leadership, communication, and advocacy skills. This event kicks-off the second phase in the CIPE-supported project that focuses on mentorship and building a sense of civic community for young future leaders. The workshop was organized by CIPE’s local partner the Entrepreneurship Development Foundation and hosted by the Baku Education and Information Center.
Thailand –The Thai Institute of Directors (IOD) recently conducted a nationwide survey of the private sector showing that IOD’s anti-corruption work with CIPE continues to be successful at driving the national debate on corruption in Thailand. The survey found that a growing percentage of Thai business owners view corruption as the paramount obstacle to business in the country and recognize the negative impact of corruption on economic growth.
Kenya – CIPE Field Representative Ben Kiragu presented a plan to board members of CIPE partner the Kenya National Alliance of Street Vendors and Informal Traders (KENASVIT) on ways to develop a strategic plan and conduct a membership survey. At the meeting, the board also worked with Kiragu to develop plans for a workshop that will sensitize KENASVIT members on the recently passed Micro and Small Enterprises (MSE) Act.
CIPE releases 2012 Pakistan Activities report; CIPE co-hosts discussion on think tanks in action; CIPE co-hosts major conference in Egypt on good governance
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.
