Investment Climate Program

completed

The program focuses on the streamlining of economy-wide and sector specific business licenses, the establishment of an e-registry, and business regulation reforms. The program is structured around three main components: 1. Business licensing reform component. IFC will assist the simplification of overall licensing procedures as well as specific licenses in priority sectors - commercial, industrial, agribusiness and tourism. The diagnostic phase entails the elaboration of a comprehensive licensing inventory followed by the validation of established licensing requirements and procedures with the public and private sectors. The program will then estimate the costs inherent to the licensing system and define priority areas for reform. The last phase entails the drafting of the required legal instruments and reform approval. 2. Doing business reform component. The program will support the enactment of investment climate reforms for the procedures related to Starting a Business and Registering Property. 3. Establishing an E-registry component. An electronic registry of all valid licenses will facilitate access to information, increase transparency and help regulatory agencies ensure a healthy flow of future regulation. In addition, in order to have an enduring impact, the program will provide support in the following areas: Capacity building: The program will provide on-the-job training as well as sponsor participation in international training events or other types of networking and learning opportunities. Reform communication: The program will raise awareness among stakeholders on the reform process and disseminate reform achievements.