The Asia Foundation

This publication is intended to serve as a guide to clarify services provided by the Provincial Councils in Sri Lanka. It provides a detailed outline of the legalities, eligibility, fees, application process, timeline and resources available...

This publication is intended to serve as a guide to clarify services provided by the Provincial Councils in Sri Lanka. It provides a detailed outline of the legalities, eligibility, fees, application process, timeline and resources available for a broad range of Council services. The results of a survey sponsored by The Asia Foundation indicated that information of this type was not readily available to the public in a simple and comprehensive manner. This Guide Book seeks to clarify step-by-step what is involved in the payment of turnover tax, or the process of admitting a child to a home for children, for example. It seeks to inform members of the public and business community about the services, authority, and responsibilities of Provincial Councils and their role in improving the conditions for economic growth and creating an enabling environment for small and medium enterprises to flourish in every Provincial Council area of Sri Lanka. The guide book is available in English, Sinhala and Tamil.

(Sinhala) This publication is intended to serve as a guide to clarify services provided by the Provincial Councils in Sri Lanka. It provides a detailed outline of the legalities, eligibility, fees, application process, timeline and resources...

(Sinhala) This publication is intended to serve as a guide to clarify services provided by the Provincial Councils in Sri Lanka. It provides a detailed outline of the legalities, eligibility, fees, application process, timeline and resources available for a broad range of Council services. The results of a survey sponsored by The Asia Foundation indicated that information of this type was not readily available to the public in a simple and comprehensive manner. This Guide Book seeks to clarify step-by-step what is involved in the payment of turnover tax, or the process of admitting a child to a home for children, for example. It seeks to inform members of the public and business community about the services, authority, and responsibilities of Provincial Councils and their role in improving the conditions for economic growth and creating an enabling environment for small and medium enterprises to flourish in every Provincial Council area of Sri Lanka. The guide book is available in English, Sinhala and Tamil.

(Tamil) This publication is intended to serve as a guide to clarify services provided by the Provincial Councils in Sri Lanka. It provides a detailed outline of the legalities, eligibility, fees, application process, timeline and resources...

(Tamil) This publication is intended to serve as a guide to clarify services provided by the Provincial Councils in Sri Lanka. It provides a detailed outline of the legalities, eligibility, fees, application process, timeline and resources available for a broad range of Council services. The results of a survey sponsored by The Asia Foundation indicated that information of this type was not readily available to the public in a simple and comprehensive manner. This Guide Book seeks to clarify step-by-step what is involved in the payment of turnover tax, or the process of admitting a child to a home for children, for example. It seeks to inform members of the public and business community about the services, authority, and responsibilities of Provincial Councils and their role in improving the conditions for economic growth and creating an enabling environment for small and medium enterprises to flourish in every Provincial Council area of Sri Lanka. The guide book is available in English, Sinhala and Tamil.

This publication is intended to serve as a guide to clarify local government services provided by Urban Councils. It provides a detailed outline of the legalities, eligibility, fees, application process, timeline and recourse available for a...

This publication is intended to serve as a guide to clarify local government services provided by Urban Councils. It provides a detailed outline of the legalities, eligibility, fees, application process, timeline and recourse available for a broad range of Council services. The results of a survey sponsored by The Asia Foundation indicated that information of this type was not readily available to the public in a simple and comprehensive manner. This Guide Book seeks to clarify step-by-step what is involved in obtaining a building permit, or the process of determining liability for and payment of trade tax, for example. It seeks to inform members of the public and business community about the services, authority, and responsibilities of Urban Councils and their role in improving the conditions for economic growth and creating an enabling environment for small and medium enterprises to flourish in every Urban Council area in Sri Lanka. The Guide Book is available in English, Sinhala and Tamil.

(Sinhala Version) This publication is intended to serve as a guide to clarify local government services provided by Urban Councils. It provides a detailed outline of the legalities, eligibility, fees, application process, timeline and recourse...

(Sinhala Version) This publication is intended to serve as a guide to clarify local government services provided by Urban Councils. It provides a detailed outline of the legalities, eligibility, fees, application process, timeline and recourse available for a broad range of Council services. The results of a survey sponsored by The Asia Foundation indicated that information of this type was not readily available to the public in a simple and comprehensive manner. This Guide Book seeks to clarify step-by-step what is involved in obtaining a building permit, or the process of determining liability for and payment of trade tax, for example. It seeks to inform members of the public and business community about the services, authority, and responsibilities of Urban Councils and their role in improving the conditions for economic growth and creating an enabling environment for small and medium enterprises to flourish in every Urban Council area in Sri Lanka. The Guide Book is available in English, Sinhala and Tamil.

This publication is intended to serve as a guide to clarify local government services provided by Urban Councils. It provides a detailed outline of the legalities, eligibility, fees, application process, timeline and recourse available for a...

This publication is intended to serve as a guide to clarify local government services provided by Urban Councils. It provides a detailed outline of the legalities, eligibility, fees, application process, timeline and recourse available for a broad range of Council services. The results of a survey sponsored by The Asia Foundation indicated that information of this type was not readily available to the public in a simple and comprehensive manner. This Guide Book seeks to clarify step-by-step what is involved in obtaining a building permit, or the process of determining liability for and payment of trade tax, for example. It seeks to inform members of the public and business community about the services, authority, and responsibilities of Urban Councils and their role in improving the conditions for economic growth and creating an enabling environment for small and medium enterprises to flourish in every Urban Council area in Sri Lanka. The Guide Book is available in English, Sinhala and Tamil.

The global financial crisis has impacted negatively Vietnam's export and GDP growth, highlighting fundamental weaknesses in the country's economic structure and growth strategy. While export clearly will continue to play an important role in...

The global financial crisis has impacted negatively Vietnam's export and GDP growth, highlighting fundamental weaknesses in the country's economic structure and growth strategy. While export clearly will continue to play an important role in Vietnam's economic growth strategy, improving the competitiveness of exporting companies is crucial for Vietnam if the country is to enhance its export value and solve the trade deficit puzzle. The Foundation's assisted CIEM to research the competitiveness of exporting firms in Vietnam with a focus on three sectors: garments, seafood and electronic products. The research examines the characteristics, the nature and influencing factors affecting the competitiveness of the three selected sectors. The Central Institute for Economic Management (CIEM) is the leading research institute of the Ministry of Planning and Investment tasked with advising the government on economic policy. Findings from the research will contribute to recommendations to the government that will help facilitate Vietnam's sustainable growth and development.

Financial Management Training Modules: This series of four training modules is designed to provide the teaching and learning materials for training modules for LA officials in Financial Management. Each module kit contains...

Financial Management Training Modules: This series of four training modules is designed to provide the teaching and learning materials for training modules for LA officials in Financial Management. Each module kit contains printed resource material for trainers and participants, visual-aid material for trainers (such as power-point presentations on CD), learning exercises and simulations for trainers to use in workshops, and relevant computer software applications (such as Excel spreadsheets, on CD), to support a two-day workshop. Each module is available separately in Sinhala and Tamil from The Asia Foundation and the Sri Lanka Institute of Local Governance (SLILG).

• Module 1 – Financial Reporting and Cash Management
• Module 2 – Revenue Enhancement
• Module 3 – Grant Management and Donor Relations
• Module 4 – Office Management

To help identify and address key challenges confronting MSMEs in their local and regional business environments, The Asia Foundation has developed a program of Public- Private Dialogues, focused on the subnational level. Local...

To help identify and address key challenges confronting MSMEs in their local and regional business environments, The Asia Foundation has developed a program of Public- Private Dialogues, focused on the subnational level. Local Public-Private Dialogues (LPPDs) bring together local authorities, civil servants, and the private sector to discuss local impediments to business. LPPDs help local stakeholders eliminate obstacles to economic development, by providing a forum for consultation and cooperation, and fostering mutual trust and understanding.

To help identify and address key challenges confronting MSMEs in their local and regional business environments, The Asia Foundation has developed a program of Public- Private Dialogues, focused on the subnational level. Local Public-Private...

To help identify and address key challenges confronting MSMEs in their local and regional business environments, The Asia Foundation has developed a program of Public- Private Dialogues, focused on the subnational level. Local Public-Private Dialogues (LPPDs) bring together local authorities, civil servants, and the private sector to discuss local impediments to business. LPPDs help local stakeholders eliminate obstacles to economic development, by providing a forum for consultation and cooperation, and fostering mutual trust and understanding.

East Timor’s achievement of full statehood in May 2002 has placed the responsibilities of government completely in the hands of the East Timorese for the first time in many generations. The violent disruptions following the 1999...

East Timor’s achievement of full statehood in May 2002 has placed the responsibilities of government completely in the hands of the East Timorese for the first time in many generations. The violent disruptions following the 1999 referendum on independence triggered an exodus of capital and business acumen, both indigenous and foreign, and left behind a fractured economy with destroyed infrastructure, poorly functioning markets, and a collapsed financial sector. The new government faces daunting challenges in improving the living conditions of its population and charting a new path for economic growth. The Asia Foundation is working with the private sector of East Timor to identify the determinants of and impediments to economic growth, and is providing technical assistance to the government as it formulates a new legislative framework for investment activities.

The Asia Foundation supports economic reform programs to encourage sustainable market-led growth, poverty reduction, and private sector involvement in the policy reform process. Better policies will boost business growth and employment, and...

The Asia Foundation supports economic reform programs to encourage sustainable market-led growth, poverty reduction, and private sector involvement in the policy reform process. Better policies will boost business growth and employment, and help improve competitiveness and reduce poverty.
In Cambodia, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) dominate the economic landscape, particularly in the provinces. MSMEs owners are among those most affected by a poor business environment, consisting of opaque regulations, lack of information, and extensive costs associated with corruption and over-regulation. The Asia Foundation’s economic reform program in Cambodia supports reform of policy-making process, empowerment of the private sector— particularly provincial MSMEs and development of a more business-friendly environment. The program encourages increased transparency and greater competition to create appropriate incentives for investment and trade.

Indonesian version of Local Economic Governance Index, 2007.
This year's Local Economic Governance Survey provides a fascinating look into the dynamics of local governance and business development in Indonesia nearly a decade after...

Indonesian version of Local Economic Governance Index, 2007.
This year's Local Economic Governance Survey provides a fascinating look into the dynamics of local governance and business development in Indonesia nearly a decade after regional autonomy. More than ever, citizens and businesses are pressing to know how well local governments are using their authority to provide better public services and improve their business climates. This is the sixth survey of a research program begun in 2001 by KPPOD, with support from the Asia Foundation. Each year the scope has expanded, beginning with 90 districts (2001), then 134 districts (2002), 200 districts (2003), 214 districts (2004), 228 districts (2005) and finally 243 districts this year.

The first report of a 16-month assessment designed to accelerate and guide the revitalization of Post-Tsunami Aceh, Indonesia. Phase 1: Health and Education Services, Housing, Distribution of Survival Allowances, Restoration of Ownership...

The first report of a 16-month assessment designed to accelerate and guide the revitalization of Post-Tsunami Aceh, Indonesia. Phase 1: Health and Education Services, Housing, Distribution of Survival Allowances, Restoration of Ownership Documents, and Economic Recovery.

In this issue: "Six Days in Afghanistan," "Lotus Circle Honors Dr. David Ho for Work in Women's Health," "New Book on Economic Governance," "Future Leaders Experience Asia," "Asia Foundation President Speaks in Sydney," "South Korea's Green...

In this issue: "Six Days in Afghanistan," "Lotus Circle Honors Dr. David Ho for Work in Women's Health," "New Book on Economic Governance," "Future Leaders Experience Asia," "Asia Foundation President Speaks in Sydney," "South Korea's Green Growth," "David Arnold Meets UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon," "Featured Multimedia," and "Sri Lanka Dialogue Explores Aid Between Asian Nations."

In this issue: "Asia Foundation Hosts Australia's Foreign Minister in San Francisco," "Economist Cheng Siwei Is Asia Foundation Chang-Lin Tien Fellow, "David D. Arnold at The Economist's Banyan Conference," "2011 Survey of the Afghan People...

In this issue: "Asia Foundation Hosts Australia's Foreign Minister in San Francisco," "Economist Cheng Siwei Is Asia Foundation Chang-Lin Tien Fellow, "David D. Arnold at The Economist's Banyan Conference," "2011 Survey of the Afghan People Released in Kabul, Washington, New York, and London," "APEC 2011: Unleashing Women's Entrepreneurship in Asia," "Briefly Noted," "Featured Multimedia," "Remembering Robert Scalapino," and "A Luce Scholar Reconnects as Program Wraps Up 37th Year."

The first chapter of the new Asia Foundation book Innovations in Strengthening Local Economic Governance in Asia. The book summarizes The Asia Foundation's experience designing and implementing programs aimed at strengthening economic...

The first chapter of the new Asia Foundation book Innovations in Strengthening Local Economic Governance in Asia. The book summarizes The Asia Foundation's experience designing and implementing programs aimed at strengthening economic governance in Asia.

Economic growth in Bangladesh has benefited from two decades of liberalization policies that aimed to increase private sector activity. While reforms have eased licensing and regulatory burdens, particularly for the export sector, the domestic...

Economic growth in Bangladesh has benefited from two decades of liberalization policies that aimed to increase private sector activity. While reforms have eased licensing and regulatory burdens, particularly for the export sector, the domestic private sector continues to face formidable challenges to growth. This is particularly the case for small enterprises that account for the bulk of private business in Bangladesh. Weaknesses in financial markets, burdensome regulation, and prohibitive policies create market distortions that reduce local competitiveness. The combined effect of poor infrastructure, weak public service delivery, corruption, and security concerns constrain the ability of businesses to function efficiently. While many businesses depend on patronage links to survive, small business owners typically lack the resources and political connections to combat regulatory and informal barriers to business. As a result, a weak enabling environment imposes disproportionately greater constraints to small business growth. The findings of this report contribute to dialogue and debate on the policy environment for private sector development in Bangladesh and inform the strategies of Government and other development partners. The Mymensingh study and the recommendations that flow from it reflect The Asia Foundation's commitment to support private-sector led growth by easing policy constraints that affect the enabling environment and mobilizing domestic constituencies for reform from the private sector, civil society, and government.

Bahasa Indonesia version - Road Transportation, Regulations and Charges in Indonesia. To assess the size and nature of domestic road transportation costs, The Asia Foundation, in partnership with the University of Indonesia's Institute for...

Bahasa Indonesia version - Road Transportation, Regulations and Charges in Indonesia. To assess the size and nature of domestic road transportation costs, The Asia Foundation, in partnership with the University of Indonesia's Institute for Economic and Social Research (LPEM-FEUI) implemented a comprehensive survey of domestic trucking costs along nine routes in Indonesia. The survey explicitly examined licensing costs, road charges and the costs associated with poor infrastructure. Through GPS tracking and interviews with firm managers and truck drivers, the survey identifies exactly who is charging drivers, where they are being charged and how much.

Road Transportation, Regulations and Charges in Indonesia. To assess the size and nature of domestic road transportation costs, The Asia Foundation, in partnership with the University of Indonesia's Institute for Economic and Social Research...

Road Transportation, Regulations and Charges in Indonesia. To assess the size and nature of domestic road transportation costs, The Asia Foundation, in partnership with the University of Indonesia's Institute for Economic and Social Research (LPEM-FEUI) implemented a comprehensive survey of domestic trucking costs along nine routes in Indonesia. The survey explicitly examined licensing costs, road charges and the costs associated with poor infrastructure. Through GPS tracking and interviews with firm managers and truck drivers, the survey identifies exactly who is charging drivers, where they are being charged and how much.

(In Bahasa - small version - no graphics) - Road Transportation, Regulations and Charges in Indonesia. To assess the size and nature of domestic road transportation costs, The Asia Foundation, in partnership with the University of Indonesia's...

(In Bahasa - small version - no graphics) - Road Transportation, Regulations and Charges in Indonesia. To assess the size and nature of domestic road transportation costs, The Asia Foundation, in partnership with the University of Indonesia's Institute for Economic and Social Research (LPEM-FEUI) implemented a comprehensive survey of domestic trucking costs along nine routes in Indonesia. The survey explicitly examined licensing costs, road charges and the costs associated with poor infrastructure. Through GPS tracking and interviews with firm managers and truck drivers, the survey identifies exactly who is charging drivers, where they are being charged and how much.

(Small version - no graphics) - Road Transportation, Regulations and Charges in Indonesia. To assess the size and nature of domestic road transportation costs, The Asia Foundation, in partnership with the University of Indonesia's Institute...

(Small version - no graphics) - Road Transportation, Regulations and Charges in Indonesia. To assess the size and nature of domestic road transportation costs, The Asia Foundation, in partnership with the University of Indonesia's Institute for Economic and Social Research (LPEM-FEUI) implemented a comprehensive survey of domestic trucking costs along nine routes in Indonesia. The survey explicitly examined licensing costs, road charges and the costs associated with poor infrastructure. Through GPS tracking and interviews with firm managers and truck drivers, the survey identifies exactly who is charging drivers, where they are being charged and how much.

This report is a contribution to a broader study entitled, "Aid, Conflict and Peacebuilding in Sri Lanka" (Goodhand and Klem, 2005), which examines the peace process in Sri Lanka with a particular focus on international engagement. This...

This report is a contribution to a broader study entitled, "Aid, Conflict and Peacebuilding in Sri Lanka" (Goodhand and Klem, 2005), which examines the peace process in Sri Lanka with a particular focus on international engagement. This particular background study focuses on the relationship between the economic agenda of the United Nations Front (UNF) government and the peace process it initiated by signing the February 2002 Ceasefire Agreement (CFA). The UNF government tried to carry out an extensive programme of reforms on the economic front while initiating a difficult process of political negotiations with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). The basic conclusion of the study is that the political fallout from the economic reform program undermined the peace process, signified by the defeat of the UNF government in April 2004.

In January, 2005, the United States, Canada, and Europe completed the phase-out of quotas governing imports of textiles and apparel in accordance with the Agreement on Textiles and Clothing (ATC). The Asia Foundation works toward policy reform...

In January, 2005, the United States, Canada, and Europe completed the phase-out of quotas governing imports of textiles and apparel in accordance with the Agreement on Textiles and Clothing (ATC). The Asia Foundation works toward policy reform in the post-ATC environment.

The Asia Foundation provided a grant to the Mongolian Women Farmers’ Association (MWFA) which now trains 500 poor households every year to raise vegetables and poultry, and thereby generate income. This effort is intended to reduce...

The Asia Foundation provided a grant to the Mongolian Women Farmers’ Association (MWFA) which now trains 500 poor households every year to raise vegetables and poultry, and thereby generate income. This effort is intended to reduce poverty, inspire micro-entrepreneurship, build stronger communities and neighbourhoods, and discourage social ills such as alcoholism, and domestic violence against women and children.