The Asia Foundation

For more than a decade, The Asia Foundation's Local and Economic Governance programs have supported broad-based economic development and reform in Indonesia, working with local business, government, and civil society to enhance their roles and...

For more than a decade, The Asia Foundation's Local and Economic Governance programs have supported broad-based economic development and reform in Indonesia, working with local business, government, and civil society to enhance their roles and effectiveness in policy reform and to promote business-friendly policies. Partnering with an extensive network of nongovernmental organizations, business associations, academics, community groups, and government agencies, the Foundation supports initiatives to improve the business environment through policy and institutional reform and develop pro-poor and gender-sensitive local policies and budgets.

For more than a decade, The Asia Foundation's Local and Economic Governance programs have supported broad-based economic development and reform in Indonesia, working with local business, government, and civil society to enhance their roles and...

For more than a decade, The Asia Foundation's Local and Economic Governance programs have supported broad-based economic development and reform in Indonesia, working with local business, government, and civil society to enhance their roles and effectiveness in policy reform and to promote business-friendly policies. Partnering with an extensive network of nongovernmental organizations, business associations, academics, community groups, and government agencies, the Foundation supports initiatives to improve the business environment through policy and institutional reform and develop pro-poor and gender-sensitive local policies and budgets.

Market-led economic growth is a proven, effective means of reducing poverty. In Cambodia, the best way to achieve economic growth is to encourage the expansion of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), which dominate the economic...

Market-led economic growth is a proven, effective means of reducing poverty. In Cambodia, the best way to achieve economic growth is to encourage the expansion of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), which dominate the economic landscape. The large majority of MSMEs are located in the provinces. At present, little is being done to improve the business environment for rural MSMEs. MSME owners are among the worst affected by opaque regulations, lack of information, and costs associated with corruption and over-regulation. The Asia Foundation’s economic reform program in Cambodia focuses on supporting the policymaking process of reform, empowerment of the private sector, particularly provincial MSMEs, and developing a more business-friendly environment.

The Asia Foundation has worked to streamline business licensing by establishing One Stop Shop (OSS) licensing centers. These centers are physical offices where permit and license issuance is consolidated, simplifying processes and reducing the...

The Asia Foundation has worked to streamline business licensing by establishing One Stop Shop (OSS) licensing centers. These centers are physical offices where permit and license issuance is consolidated, simplifying processes and reducing the number of contact points between applicants and officials.

For more than 50 years, The Asia Foundation has been a constant partner and advocate for economic reform and development in Indonesia. Over the decades the Foundation has worked closely with small cooperatives and businesses to broaden their...

For more than 50 years, The Asia Foundation has been a constant partner and advocate for economic reform and development in Indonesia. Over the decades the Foundation has worked closely with small cooperatives and businesses to broaden their opportunities and growth potential. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) employ nearly 79% of the workforce and contribute 56% of the GDP. After the Asian financial crisis, the Foundation further strengthened its economic assistance to this vital sector, initiating projects for faster business permitting, analytical tools to improve government regulation, private sector forums and surveys to measure local investment climates. Through a variety of such advocacy programs the Foundation has helped to create more efficient local economies and eliminate local regulations that stifle business.

In Bahasa-For more than 50 years, The Asia Foundation has been a constant partner and advocate for economic reform and development in Indonesia. Over the decades the Foundation has worked closely with small cooperatives and businesses to...

In Bahasa-For more than 50 years, The Asia Foundation has been a constant partner and advocate for economic reform and development in Indonesia. Over the decades the Foundation has worked closely with small cooperatives and businesses to broaden their opportunities and growth potential. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) employ nearly 79% of the workforce and contribute 56% of the GDP. After the Asian financial crisis, the Foundation further strengthened its economic assistance to this vital sector, initiating projects for faster business permitting, analytical tools to improve government regulation, private sector forums and surveys to measure local investment climates. Through a variety of such advocacy programs the Foundation has helped to create more efficient local economies and eliminate local regulations that stifle business.

The Asia Foundation Conference on Mongolia's Political and Economic Transition: Challenges and Opportunities. Proceedings from the conference held September 11-13, 2000 in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia in celebration of the tenth Anniversary of The...

The Asia Foundation Conference on Mongolia's Political and Economic Transition: Challenges and Opportunities. Proceedings from the conference held September 11-13, 2000 in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia in celebration of the tenth Anniversary of The Asia Foundation’s Mongolia Program.

This handbook presents basic information on advocacy and how it can be pursued by private enterprises, government institutions and other organizations in Sri Lanka to establish and safeguard their rights. It was prepared by The Asia...

This handbook presents basic information on advocacy and how it can be pursued by private enterprises, government institutions and other organizations in Sri Lanka to establish and safeguard their rights. It was prepared by The Asia Foundation, Sri Lanka, through its Local Economic Governance Program, with financial support from the Australian Agency for International Development and the Department for International Development (UK). The handbook is largely adapted from a publication on policy advocacy for SMEs in Indonesia, prepared by The Asia Foundation in Indonesia. It has also drawn on advocacy materials developed Dr. Hetifah Sjaifudian Sumarto, an independent consultant to The Asia Foundation.

(Sri Lankan Version) This handbook presents basic information on advocacy and how it can be pursued by private enterprises, government institutions and other organizations in Sri Lanka to establish and safeguard their rights. It was...

(Sri Lankan Version) This handbook presents basic information on advocacy and how it can be pursued by private enterprises, government institutions and other organizations in Sri Lanka to establish and safeguard their rights. It was prepared by The Asia Foundation, Sri Lanka, through its Local Economic Governance Program, with financial support from the Australian Agency for International Development and the Department for International Development (UK). The handbook is largely adapted from a publication on policy advocacy for SMEs in Indonesia, prepared by The Asia Foundation in Indonesia. It has also drawn on advocacy materials developed Dr. Hetifah Sjaifudian Sumarto, an independent consultant to The Asia Foundation.

Indonesia's mass-based Muslim organizations are increasingly at the forefront of new policy reform efforts to reduce poverty and improve governance at the city, district and provincial levels. The Asia Foundation has supported these efforts in...

Indonesia's mass-based Muslim organizations are increasingly at the forefront of new policy reform efforts to reduce poverty and improve governance at the city, district and provincial levels. The Asia Foundation has supported these efforts in a concerted fashion through partnerships with Muhammadiyah, Nahdlatul Ulama, and highly skilled technical advocacy and governance reform NGOs. This program builds on existing networks of Indonesian mass-based Muslim organizations by bringing the influence and credibility of Islamic organizations together with the technical advocacy experience of economic reform groups.

The Foundation helps to build incentives for good economic policy by enhancing the capacity of non-government actors to participate in policy formulation. For example, the Foundation has helped to create 39 local business associations (Forda)...

The Foundation helps to build incentives for good economic policy by enhancing the capacity of non-government actors to participate in policy formulation. For example, the Foundation has helped to create 39 local business associations (Forda) and has strengthened the dialogue between the private sector and local policymakers by building Forda advocacy skills. The Foundation also helps to build incentives for better local economic governance through its support for an economic governance index developed with Regional Autonomy Watch (KPPOD).

MENDUKUNG PRAKARSA REFORMASI EKONOMI DI INDONESIA

Prakarsa Reformasi Ekonomi ini dilaksanakan Asia Foundation memanfaatkan jaringannya yang luas dengan lembaga-lembaga pemerintah dan mitra organisasi lokal yang bergerak di bidang...

MENDUKUNG PRAKARSA REFORMASI EKONOMI DI INDONESIA

Prakarsa Reformasi Ekonomi ini dilaksanakan Asia Foundation memanfaatkan jaringannya yang luas dengan lembaga-lembaga pemerintah dan mitra organisasi lokal yang bergerak di bidang studi, advokasi, dan kebijakan. Kegiatan-kegiatan yang dilakukan dalam prakarsa ini bermuara kepada tiga kelompok tujuan: menciptakan insentif bagi kebijakan ekonomi yang lebih baik; menyediakan alat untuk pelaksanaan kebijakan ekonomi yang lebih baik; dan, menjamin keterlibatan kelompok miskin. Asia Foundation mendukung penciptaan insentif bagi kebijakan ekonomi yang lebih baik melalui penguatan kapasitas bagi pihakpihak non pemerintah untuk berpartisipasi dalam pembuatan kebijakan. Sebagai contoh, Asia Foundation telah memfasilitasi pembentukan 39 asosiasi usaha kecil dan menengah di daerah (Forum Daerah UKM - Forda) dan memperkuat dialog antara

Sejak tahun 1999, Asia Foundation telah mengembangkan program penyederhanaan perizinan usaha di 55 kabupaten/kota dengan mendorong pembentukan sebuah instansi pelayanan terpadu untuk perizinan usaha, yang sekarang lebih dikenal dengan nama...

Sejak tahun 1999, Asia Foundation telah mengembangkan program penyederhanaan perizinan usaha di 55 kabupaten/kota dengan mendorong pembentukan sebuah instansi pelayanan terpadu untuk perizinan usaha, yang sekarang lebih dikenal dengan nama Pelayanan Terpadu Satu Pintu (PTSP). PTSP ini pada dasarnya adalah sebuah kantor yang mengkoordinasi dan mengkonsolidasi penerbitan izin, menyederhanakan proses perizinan serta mengurangi jumlah meja yang harus dilalui....

In order to improve the regulatory environment and drive business growth, The Asia Foundation is implementing a program to introduce Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) to 28 local governments across Indonesia. RIA is an analytical tool that...

In order to improve the regulatory environment and drive business growth, The Asia Foundation is implementing a program to introduce Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) to 28 local governments across Indonesia. RIA is an analytical tool that helps governments to identify whether a regulation is really needed, what the costs and benefits of the proposed regulation are, and whether there are alternative solutions to regulation.

In order to foster a positive business climate, The Asia Foundation has been supporting efforts to streamline business licensing in Indonesia since 1999 by establishing and improving One Stop Shop (OSS) centers. One Stop Shops are local...

In order to foster a positive business climate, The Asia Foundation has been supporting efforts to streamline business licensing in Indonesia since 1999 by establishing and improving One Stop Shop (OSS) centers. One Stop Shops are local government offices where permit and license issuance is consolidated, simplifying the processes and reducing the number of contact points between applicants and officials.

MENGUKUR KINERJA PELAYANAN PERIZINAN TERPADU DI INDONESIA

Untuk mewujudkan iklim usaha yang lebih baik, Asia Foundation telah memberikan program pendampingan teknis untuk pembentukan dan pengembangan pelayanan perizinan terpadu di...

MENGUKUR KINERJA PELAYANAN PERIZINAN TERPADU DI INDONESIA

Untuk mewujudkan iklim usaha yang lebih baik, Asia Foundation telah memberikan program pendampingan teknis untuk pembentukan dan pengembangan pelayanan perizinan terpadu di Indonesia sejak 1999. Pelayanan terpadu merupakan sebuah instansi di daerah berwenang untuk menyederhanakan dan mengkonsolidasikan proses penerbitan izin di satu tempat.

The Foundation's Forda program is designed to help small and medium-sized businesses tackle the problems that really matter to them. In collaboration with the National Network for Small and Medium Enterprises (JNP-UKM), the Foundation has...

The Foundation's Forda program is designed to help small and medium-sized businesses tackle the problems that really matter to them. In collaboration with the National Network for Small and Medium Enterprises (JNP-UKM), the Foundation has helped to establish 39 Forda in Indonesia, 25 of those based in Sulawesi.

In 2000, KPPOD (Regional Autonomy Watch) was established by leading businessmen, researchers and journalists to monitor the economic impact of decentralization. With support from The Asia Foundation, KPPOD conducted an annual survey between...

In 2000, KPPOD (Regional Autonomy Watch) was established by leading businessmen, researchers and journalists to monitor the economic impact of decentralization. With support from The Asia Foundation, KPPOD conducted an annual survey between 2001 and 2005, using local business leaders' perceptions and hard data to rate key investment climate factors ranging from institutions to infrastructure.

The Asia Foundation, the Mongolia Women’s Farmer Association (MWFA), local officials and citizens of the Bayanzurkh District inaugurated a poultry and vegetable farming training center on August 3rd. The center seeks to increase...

The Asia Foundation, the Mongolia Women’s Farmer Association (MWFA), local officials and citizens of the Bayanzurkh District inaugurated a poultry and vegetable farming training center on August 3rd. The center seeks to increase household incomes in this Ulaanbaatar district, and in surrounding communities.

Providing citizens access to economic information, which is relevant to decisionmaking that affects their lives, will yield better and more representative policy, and will underscore other government goals associated with transparency and good...

Providing citizens access to economic information, which is relevant to decisionmaking that affects their lives, will yield better and more representative policy, and will underscore other government goals associated with transparency and good governance. Through the USAID Economic Policy Reform and Competitiveness Project, The Asia Foundation is assisting the Government of Mongolia to communicate new economic policies to targeted groups and the public, in order to build a broad constituency that will fuel economic growth and job creation.

Mongolian version

Providing citizens access to economic information, which is relevant to decisionmaking that affects their lives, will yield better and more representative policy, and will underscore other government goals associated...

Mongolian version

Providing citizens access to economic information, which is relevant to decisionmaking that affects their lives, will yield better and more representative policy, and will underscore other government goals associated with transparency and good governance. Through the USAID Economic Policy Reform and Competitiveness Project, The Asia Foundation is assisting the Government of Mongolia to communicate new economic policies to targeted groups and the public, in order to build a broad constituency that will fuel economic growth and job creation.

In late 2004, with support from Give2Asia, a U.S. non-profit organization established by The Asia Foundation, Byatshandaa and the MWFA constructed a poultry-training center to complement and strengthen MWFA’s vegetable training center....

In late 2004, with support from Give2Asia, a U.S. non-profit organization established by The Asia Foundation, Byatshandaa and the MWFA constructed a poultry-training center to complement and strengthen MWFA’s vegetable training center. Over the last year and a half, MWFA has trained more than 500 families in sustainable vegetable farming and poultry rearing. As a result, many families, like Doljin’s, have started their own small-scale chicken farming businesses, which can generate over $100-$180 dollars a year in extra income with as few as 10 chickens.

In late 2004, with support from Give2Asia, a U.S. non-profit organization established by The Asia Foundation, Byatshandaa and the MWFA constructed a poultry-training center to complement and strengthen MWFA’s vegetable training center....

In late 2004, with support from Give2Asia, a U.S. non-profit organization established by The Asia Foundation, Byatshandaa and the MWFA constructed a poultry-training center to complement and strengthen MWFA’s vegetable training center. Over the last year and a half, MWFA has trained more than 500 families in sustainable vegetable farming and poultry rearing. As a result, many families, like Doljin’s, have started their own small-scale chicken farming businesses, which can generate over $100-$180 dollars a year in extra income with as few as 10 chickens.

Mindanao, in the southern Philippines, is home to the country's largest concentration of Muslims. The region suffers from poor infrastructure, poverty, and violence that has claimed more than 120,000 lives in the last four decades. The...

Mindanao, in the southern Philippines, is home to the country's largest concentration of Muslims. The region suffers from poor infrastructure, poverty, and violence that has claimed more than 120,000 lives in the last four decades. The violence and rebellion derive from internal Christian migrations to the region, sectarian clashes, war against Muslim/Islam separatist insurgents, clan feuds, and unfulfilled hopes of peace and economic prosperity.

The Asia Foundation recently won an Asian Development Bank (ADB) grant of $333,000 for Indonesia, Pakistan, and the Marshall Islands to design and implement pilot projects to promote increased public participation in local budget planning...

The Asia Foundation recently won an Asian Development Bank (ADB) grant of $333,000 for Indonesia, Pakistan, and the Marshall Islands to design and implement pilot projects to promote increased public participation in local budget planning through the establishment of citizens’ budget fora. The eight month project seeks to broaden understanding and debate of local budgets so that citizens are more engaged in formulation and oversight of budgets. Lessons learned in the different country contexts will be shared through a final conference and publication.

With the advent of the policy of renovation (doi moi) in 1986, Vietnam has been able to achieve a consistently high level of GDP growth in the past decade (8.4 percent in 2005) and effectively address the problem of poverty. Much of this...

With the advent of the policy of renovation (doi moi) in 1986, Vietnam has been able to achieve a consistently high level of GDP growth in the past decade (8.4 percent in 2005) and effectively address the problem of poverty. Much of this explosive economic growth is a direct result of the government’s practical economic reforms to encourage private sector growth. Since the implementation of the Enterprise Law in 2000, Vietnam has registered more than 120,000 formal private companies, six times the number registered in the nine years before the law’s enactment. Yet, the benefits of Vietnam’s rapid economic growth have not been spread evenly across the country.