The Asia Foundation

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.

The fifth annual study of “Investment Competitiveness of Regencies/Cities in Indonesia” implemented by KPPOD (Regional Autonomy Watch). Since the first socialization of the 2001 study results, public response toward the rank has...

The fifth annual study of “Investment Competitiveness of Regencies/Cities in Indonesia” implemented by KPPOD (Regional Autonomy Watch). Since the first socialization of the 2001 study results, public response toward the rank has been extensive. The private sector has shown its appreciation by using the study result as one of its sources to formulate investment policies; academicians have shared their opinions on the methodology used in the study; moreover, some prominent international institutions have used the studies’ findings as their reference.

The Asia Foundation has cooperated with the Center for Business and Government of Harvard University (CBG-Harvard), which works for Bank Rakyat Indonesia, to conduct a survey on access to and services of micro fi nance institutions (MFIs) in...

The Asia Foundation has cooperated with the Center for Business and Government of Harvard University (CBG-Harvard), which works for Bank Rakyat Indonesia, to conduct a survey on access to and services of micro fi nance institutions (MFIs) in six provinces: West Java, East Java, West Kalimantan, East Kalimantan, North Sulawesi and Papua. The survey was aimed at looking at the availability of micro finance services.

This study is intended to help local governments examine how their areas are perceived in terms of investment attractiveness. This study also serves as a reference for the international business community or local investor in making investment...

This study is intended to help local governments examine how their areas are perceived in terms of investment attractiveness. This study also serves as a reference for the international business community or local investor in making investment decisions.

A perception survey of business owners and operators in four districts of Nepal. The survey provides a snapshot of prevailing state of business environment in Nepal and identifies most critical impediments to growth with a particular focus on...

A perception survey of business owners and operators in four districts of Nepal. The survey provides a snapshot of prevailing state of business environment in Nepal and identifies most critical impediments to growth with a particular focus on small and medium size businesses.

Youth constitutes a large segment, 43 percent, of the total population in Malaysia. The diverse and numerous roles that they play in the country's political, social and economic landscapes underline the fact that they are a critical...

Youth constitutes a large segment, 43 percent, of the total population in Malaysia. The diverse and numerous roles that they play in the country's political, social and economic landscapes underline the fact that they are a critical demographic group to engage. In April 2012, The Asia Foundation conducted its fourth nationwide survey of Malaysian youth opinion as part of the Foundation's continuing efforts to enhance public engagement and innovative research in support of improving governance, civil society, economic progress, and sustainable development in Malaysia. Over 2,100 youth across all states and federal territories in Malaysia were engaged in the comprehensive survey. The survey provides a window into the attitudes, concerns and practices of young Malaysians on a range of contemporary political, social and economic issues.