INTENDED AUDIENCE: This seminar is designed for parties having responsibility for developing a better investment climate for private investment. Government officials in Ministries of Finance, Information and Communication, Planning, Investment, Tourism and Trade and Industry, and related agencies such as Regulatory and Investment Boards, Small Business Promotion Agencies, Stock Exchanges and Chambers of Commerce, will be interested. In addition, Financiers and Planners, as well as Managers of both corporatized and private enterprises, will benefit from this seminar.

COURSE OBJECTIVES: The seminar focuses on the policies and measures to foster an efficient and successful private investment climate, for both domestic and international investors. Stakeholders in this process include present and potential shareholders, creditors, employees, government and society as a whole. Innovation and creativity will be emphasized, as well as measures to maintain market stability and development. Simulated and actual case studies will be employed to support the lessons learned. Participant round tables are vital learning exchanges.

Course Outline:

• Measures to attract foreign and domestic investment, including capital markets
• Financial sector development
• Productivity issues

Macro-Economic Issues

• Effects of GDP, savings rate, inflation, trade balance
• Other economic growth issues

Labor and Employment Issues

• Labor policy
• Legal options
• Labor flexibility
• Role of trade unions
• Employment entry, training and termination
• Negotiations and consultation
• Performance management and cultural change

Regulatory and Legal Issues

• Regulatory options in areas of potential market failure and bankruptcy
• Competition policy and implementation
• Dispute resolution
• Land and property rights
• Other regulatory issues necessary for creating a favorable investment climate

Business Services

• “Doing business”, and other surveys and their consequences
• Franchising
• Innovation and technology
• Promotion and facilitation for small and medium enterprises

Financial Services

• Sound banking and liquidity in the investment environment
• Specialized financing facilities for small and medium enterprises