NI Competitiveness LIL

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The Competitiveness Learning and Innovation Loan Project in Nicaragua will test private-public partnerships for developing consensus, and introducing reform on business issues, and will pilot information technology-based business development services (BDS). Project components will: 1) develop inclusive business clusters, through contract service providers to facilitate, and identify cross-cluster business environment constraints, and reform proposals, improve productivity, and develop operational plans. The component will also pilot sustainable information technology (IT) based BDS, through technical assistance provision, and equipment/software supply for the development of an IT business development center, which will provide training, quality assurance, export facilitation, design assistance, and information on financing for micro and small businesses; 2) pilot reforms for competitiveness policies, institutions and administrative procedures related to private sector development. Consensus will be built for incorporating the private sector in the management of public training system, assess alternatives, and monitor implementation. Innovations on domestic competition will be tested, addressing best practices, deregulation, and consumer protection, as well as investment promotion activities; and 3) increase public-private management capacity on competition policy.