Disclaimer Sector Development and Competitiveness: Relevant Projects Economic Growth, Infrastructure and Trade (Telecommunications, Transportation) Bangladesh: Export Promotion and Diversification Project - ‘Constraints Study’ (WB): As part of the three-year project, IBTCI conducted over a dozen special studies. The objective of the “Constraints Study” was to analyze the nature and magnitude of various constraints to growth and diversification of exports in Bangladesh and recommend appropriate measures to improve the situation. The main internal constraint found was difficulty in obtaining export finance. Problems associated with the transportation of merchandise from Bangladesh to foreign markets including port, customs, and shipping, was found to be the second most severe constraint. The other major constraints mentioned by exporters were complicated government regulations, and shortage of skilled labor. Other constraints were - problems of internal transport and producing quality goods. The main external constraints faced by the exporters were lack of trade information, and market intelligence, followed by lack of access to marketing/distribution channels. Bangladesh: Export Promotion and Diversification Project - ‘Trans-shipment Study’ (WB): This overall contract assisted the Government of Bangladesh (GOB) and the World Bank accelerate the pace of development and diversification of exports. The project’s two broad components were Product and Market Development (PMDS), and Trade Management Capacity building (TMCB). IBTCI served as the Secretariat and Project Coordination and Development Unit (PCU), and monitored and evaluated the activities of three subcontractors. The purpose of Trans-shipment Study was to examine the various technical and economic aspects of the issue of allowing road transshipment facilities from one Indian state to another over Bangladesh territory and determine the feasibility of the trans-shipment proposal on the basis of the likely benefits and costs to the economy. Considering the benefits and costs, the consultants recommended a road trans-shipment arrangement. Georgia: Privatization of Georgia Telecommunications Sector (USAID): IBTCI assisted the Ministry of State Property Management (MSPM) and the Ministry of Communications to prepare for and oversee privatization of the telecom sector in Georgia. In Phase I – Assessment, IBTCI conducted assessments to determine the readiness of the telecom sector for privatization. Phase II – Preparation, for Privatization, IBTCI completed the development of privatization strategies for the telecommunications sector such that would achieve GoG objectives. In this regard, IBTCI reviewed and revised necessary laws and norms/regulations; assisted in establishing a telecom competition policy and regulatory structure; and educated government officials and media (public education) on the privatization strategy, its rationale and anticipated benefits. In the final Phase III, IBTCI supported MSPM and the Georgian Telecommunications Commission to establish the tender panel and select the investment bank to conduct the tender; assisted in developing the terms of the tender; monitored the investment bank during the tender; and reviewed proposed terms and conditions of sale and contracts/documentation thereto to assure conformity with GoG understanding and privatization objectives. Georgia: Assessment of the Transportation Sector for Privatization (USAID): IBTCI conducted two assessments on the potential for privatization of the Republic of Georgia’s transportation sectors, one on its railway system and one on the ports, airports and highways sectors. IBTCI carried out a comprehensive review of the Georgian transportation sectors, evaluated their privatization potential and recommended an initial strategy for privatization of viable transportation enterprises. The constraints to direct investment and free trade by the existing transport system or government monopolies, and the effectiveness and impact of the overall reform policies on privatization of the sector were also assessed. Georgia: Privatization of the Poti Port (USAID): IBTCI developed a privatization plan based on the evaluation of the economic, financial, organizational and operational prospects for Poti Port in the Republic of Georgia and provided a basis for discussions with potential private sector investors. IBTCI’s privatization strategy involved assessing the Port’s business environment, developing market projections, conducting operations and capacity analyses, analyzing the financial viability of the Port, defining the new Port structure, developing a labor restructuring plan, developing preliminary privatization plan alternatives and, finally, developing the privatization plan and recommendations. The legal and regulatory framework was also analyzed and a series of recommendations for new or amended legislation was proposed to provide an enabling legal environment for the privatization of Poti Port. Hungary: Privatization of BHG Telecommunications (WB/EU): To help with the restructuring and privatization of BHG Telecommunication Works, a high-tech manufacturer of electronic products, IBTCI and Irish Development Institute conducted an evaluation of the company’s competitive, cost, and management structure. Strategic recommendations were also presented to help with the company’s positioning, and to compete with international companies. A comprehensive and integrated assessment was carried out of the Firm’s individual functions of marketing, finance, and operations. Interviews were carried out with management and an analysis was conducted of information accumulated, as well as of its organizational and supply chains and relationships. Manpower and resource planning data was acquired and analyzed. Nigeria: Call Down Framework Contract for the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) - ‘Project Coordination for the Privatization of Nigerian Telecommunications Limited (NITEL)’ (DFID): The tasks of the IBTCI expatriate and local advisor included: familiarization with the terms of the advisory contract with the BNP Paribas Consortium, privatization program and work plan for the NITEL Transaction; review and coordinate with the Lead International Investment Bank in the Consultants’ Consortium with regard to all the tasks to be undertaken by the various members of the consultants in the Consortium; coordinate, monitor, review and comment on the progress of the execution of tasks assigned to the various consultants in the consortium against the work plan, schedule of work, deliverables, allocation of resources and general implementation of the NITEL privatization transaction; review all transaction documents, including bid documents, Information Memorandum, Data Room information, Request for Proposal, Advisors’ diagnostic report and other reports generated from related advisory work; review and comment on the enterprise valuation report prepared by the Consultants’ Consortium; assist the BPE to carry out the tender in a manner as to assure transparency of the process and consistency with international best practice; and assist in general decision-making process and the management of the NITEL Privatization Transaction. Nigeria: Call Down Framework Contract for the Bureau of Public Enterprises - ‘Transport Consultancy’ (DFID): The IBTCI Team carried out the following tasks in line with international best practice: reviewed the Master-plan for Integrated Transport Infrastructure (MITI) to ensure compliance with the National Transport Policy and the objectives of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE); liaised with the Ports, Railway, Marine and Road reform teams within the BPE with a view to achieving the inter-modal objectives as set by the Transport Policy; advised and assisted the Infrastructure and Regulatory Unit in the development of guidelines and principles for inter-modal transport within NTC; prepared an action plan comprising the key steps to successfully coordinate the activities of the relevant teams at the BPE; developed an action plan for future development of the integrated transport system by the private sector in accordance with MITI. Nigeria: Call Down Framework Contract for the Bureau of Public Enterprises - ‘Transport Consultancy II’ (DFID): As a follow-on to the previous work order, the IBTCI Team delivered a presentation of the institutional reforms proposals to the Ministers of Transport, Aviation, Roads and Agriculture; updated reports delivered to date under this consultancy incorporating decisions and comments of the Ministers; and provided support to BPE in order to mobilize the first meeting of the Committee of Senior Officials and the National Transport Forum. Nigeria: Call Down Framework Contract for the Bureau of Public Enterprises - ‘Transport Consultancy III’ (DFID): As a follow-on to the previous work orders, the IBTCI Team worked to stress the important advantages of intermodialism in the transport sector; draw attention to specific adverse consequences of failure to pursue intermodialism, e.g. congestion cost at Lagos port complex; and made a strong case for the necessity to harmonize transport functions in a single ministry – showing the advantages vis-à-vis the adverse consequences of unimodal development. Nigeria: Federal Government of Nigeria Support to the Government's Broad-Based Privatization Program (USAID): IBTCI Team assisted the management and workers of the targeted enterprises, including transportation companies, to understand the benefits, the process, and the role that they would have in the privatization process. The preferred method for selling public enterprises was a two-stage process involving the sale of a substantial equity stake and management control to a core investor, and an initial public offer of a block of shares. In either phase, the team prepared investment packages and information memoranda for each PE, as well as documents for sale of shares through public offerings and for floating tenders. IBTCI also developed a strategy for the transparent privatization of the telecommunications sector and directed the sale proceedings of Nitel, Nigeria’s state-owned Telecommunications. Worldwide: Best Practices Privatization Project (USAID): The principal focus of the research conducted under this study was an in-depth analysis of a sample consisting of twenty-two countries that had been or were engaged in the implementation of large and comprehensive privatization programs. A second sample included the assessment of privatization efforts as applied in the privatization of state-owned enterprises in six distinct sectors of economic activity representing services and utility services infrastructure (banking, telecommunications, transport, pension, power and water). The research included a detailed examination of the manner in which each country in the sample implemented and carried out its respective privatization program. As a whole, the countries represented the privatization experience in a wide variety of social, political, economic and geographical conditions and settings. The twenty-two countries in the sample included among the developed/industrialized ones the United Kingdom, Germany, and New Zealand. Among the emerging countries, the sample included Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Czech Republic, Egypt, Estonia, Hungary, Lithuania, Malaysia, Mexico, Moldova, Morocco, Philippines, Poland, Russia, South Africa, Tanzania, Tunisia and Zambia. Environment (Energy/ Power, Environmental Compliance, Natural Resources, Water) China: Tianjin Industrial Development Project II (WB): IBTCI conducted environmental impact assessments of 77 enterprises and made recommendations to reform environmental regulations and policies. This project resulted in the restructuring of five industrial sectors in Tianjin. The sub sectors included: machine tools, auto parts, construction equipment, electric motors and electronic components. The overall project aim was the reorganization of separate enterprises into cost-effective, productive units by realigning their organization structures, financial and operational controls and implementation program of strategic alliances with Western firms. Training was conducted in the areas of management, operations, production, market research principles, marketing, accounting, and financial analysis for over 100 local enterprise managers over the course of the project. Iraq: Monitoring and Evaluation Performance Program, Phase II (MEPP II) (USAID): USAID/Iraq contracted with IBTCI to provide continued performance monitoring and evaluation of USAID/Iraq programs as well as long and short-term technical and advisory services and data analysis. The objective of the Monitoring and Evaluation Performance Program, Phase II is to provide regular performance monitoring and reporting as well as periodic review of specific activities of the program as a whole and an overall evaluation of the impact of the program. IBTCI provides long and short-term technical and advisory services, data analysis, and reports for monitoring and evaluation of USAID/Iraq program. The technical and advisory services include expertise in all the fields where USAID/Iraq has recently provided or is currently providing its assistance as part of the reconstruction effort. These include: infrastructure, health, education, economic growth, banking/finance, private sector development, agriculture, democracy and governance, program policy, social science, environment, power and natural resources, gender, field monitoring, information management, data analysis, evaluation, design and training, and program management. These evaluations include USAID efforts on capacity building in the public sector (specifically in local government and public works and Ministries of Finance, Planning and Electricity). Malaysia: Industrial Pollution Control Management (ADB): IBTCI provided support to the Malaysian small and medium scale manufacturing industries in order to reduce industrial pollution. Through this technical assistance IBTCI reviewed industrial sector policies and assessed their impact on the environment. The project activities included developing recommendation and methodologies for enhancing the industrial framework for the introduction of market based instruments to reduce industrial pollution through abatement of industrial pollution and adoption of clean technologies. IBTCI also identified the types and effectiveness of existing economic incentives for pollution control and environmental management with special reference to the industrial sector, and assessed the possible impacts of existing tax concessions and incentives for storage, treatment, and disposal of toxic and hazardous waste on potential target groups. Nigeria: Call Down Framework Contract for the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE)- ‘Consultancy of Capacity Building Support to the Power Team at BPE’ (DFID): The objective of this consultancy was to provide professional support to the Bureau of Public Enterprises Power Team to enable it to address emerging and challenging pre-transaction issues that the Power Team members may face from time to time. The issues included, among others, the following: undertaking a critical review of the deliverables of previous consultancies assignments relating to the new power market; corporate restructuring of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN); and coordinating various on-going consultancies. Thus members of the BPE Power Team are exposed to and carry through the learning curve in a way that ensures that the implications of new market rules; new market structure; and trading by market participants and their interfaces to the new market together with the challenges of power sector regulation, the various privatization divestiture options, and strategies are explained to and understood by the Power Team. An additional objective of the general power advisory consulting is to enlighten and take members of the BPE Power Team through some of the successful Power Sector Reform models adopted by other countries, highlight the success factor and draw attention to likely pitfalls. Nigeria: Call Down Framework Contract for the Bureau of Public Enterprises - ‘Consultant for Developing Privatization Framework for the Solid Minerals Sector’ (DFID): Through participation and coordination of the activities of the three committees created for the Privatization of the Nigerian Mining Corporation (“NMC”), The Nigerian Coal Corporation (“NCC”) and Bitumen Project, the consultant oversees the organization of the activities of the aforementioned committees to insure the following: complete compilation of all available information on existing titles; classification of mining titles; valuation and packaging of mining titles by external consulting firms along with Ex-NMC staff; complete audit and review of existing Joint Venture (JV) agreements with recommendations on the appropriate action to be taken on each JV; and valuation and packaging of NMC non-core assets. The respective committee will work with BPE to identify, catalogue and value non-core assets which will be divested separately from the mining titles; complete GPS mapping of fields and entry into the mining cadastre; classification of coal properties; valuation and packaging of coal titles with the assistance of external consulting firms and Ex-NCC staff; valuation and packaging of NCC non-core assets. The consultant will work with the staff at BPE to identify, catalogue and value non-core assets which will be divested separately from the mining titles; and complete compilation and of all available information on the Bitumen blocks; including appraisal of all field data on previously drilled cores. Nigeria: Call Down Framework Contract for the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) - ‘Environment’ (DFID): The IBTCI Advisor reviewed all relevant and available reports and analysis for proposed privatizations in selected sectors and individual enterprises. Analyzed the findings and recommendations of the Legal Consultant’s report on the scope of Nigerian environmental liability regime, applicable international obligations and their relevance to nation and sector-wide privatization process. Assessed available EDSS and environmental audit reports; and the scope of identified concerns. Proposed environmental management plans and cost estimates to ensure compliance with applicable Nigerian legislation. Reviewed available options for addressing environmental liabilities in privatization transactions in various sectors and proposed any adjustments, if necessary, to ensure consistency with NPP goals and Nigerian development agenda. Reviewed best international practice in addressing environmental liabilities in “high risk/red flag” industries and made recommendations for its applicability to Nigerian circumstances. Advised on the scope of environmental representations, warranties and indemnifications for selected privatization transactions. Advised on the scope of any environmental mitigation, monitoring and institutional measures to be undertaken by potential new owners of selected enterprises. Advised on a case-by-case basis on a negotiating strategy to achieve intended results taking into account the preferred option for addressing environmental liabilities and the proposal packages of short-listed bidders. Advised on other matters in the area of his competency as directed by and agreed by the Consultant with Director General of the BPE. Nigeria: Federal Government of Nigeria Support to the Government's Broad-Based Privatization Program (USAID): IBTCI created a Core Team of Nigerian Professionals, educated and with work experience overseas and seconding them to Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) to assume positions at the second tier of management. IBTCI tasks included: centralization of decision-making; information sharing of tasks and processes of the BPE; and regular liaising with external agencies for solutions and policy reform. We conducted detailed assessments of the effects of the privatization program on labor, employment, small business development, and entrepreneurship, as well as the macro and micro economy. We provided the BPE with a clear understanding and policy guidelines on handling the environmental aspects of divestiture, and the delivery of a Privatization Environmental Handbook Developing. In addition, we developed strategic plans for the energy, steel and ports sectors. Russia: Medical Technology Transfer Activity (USAID): As a part of the USAID funded technical project in support of the U.S. pharmaceutical firms to establish manufacturing facilities in Russia, IBTCI planned and facilitated the environmental assessments (EA) of three sites in accordance with the U.S. and Russian environmental regulations. Subsequently, the EA reports were reviewed for quality and defensibility; and recommendations were made for improvement and follow on work. In conjunction with the Russian Ministry of Health, IBTCI helped to establish a list of critical drugs targeted for production under the MTTA project. Worldwide: Best Practices Privatization Project (USAID): This study, based on a 22-country review of privatization programs undertaken in six specific sectors (telecommunications, transport, banking, pension, power and water), examined how privatization was carried out; ascertained the lessons learned; and identified best practices that, depending on the social and economic conditions, might be transferable to other countries. The principal focus of the research conducted under this study was an in-depth analysis of a sample consisting of twenty-two countries that had been or were engaged in the implementation of large and comprehensive privatization programs. Global Health Mexico: Incubator Project (WB): The absence of adequate sanitation facilities in the Mexican countryside has resulted in serious health problems with high levels of disease and infant mortality. In this venture, local groups with IBTCI assistance, sourced a low cost latrine design that could function in the special geological circumstances of Yucatan. The plan allowed for the fabrication of this latrine locally, and financed the purchase by the local farmers with a mechanism based upon the Grameen bank model from Bangladesh. The initial venture was owned and operated by a local women's group and other local organizations who participated in the training and extension aspects of the project. Initial financing was provided by the state government and generated income for the local entrepreneurs, as well as addressed a serious health problem. Pakistan: Monitoring & Evaluation Services IQC (USAID): IBTCI holds an IQC to provide assistance and support to Mission personnel in the performance of their duties in the areas of monitoring and evaluation in Health, Education, Governance, Economic Growth in Sindh, NWFP, Balochistan and Punjab. Our expatriate and local staff are providing wide-ranging support services in areas of quality inspection; determining deliverables as complete and acceptable; administrative approval of payment vouchers; providing technical direction to the contractor; completing contractor performance reports; and soliciting feedback from Government of Pakistan representatives, communities, and beneficiaries. Russia: Healthy Russia 2000 (USAID): IBTCI reviewed the Russian health services and pharmaceutical sector, researched and wrote a policy paper that included contributions from both Russian and expatriate authors, for the Russian Government to present a comprehensive plan for privatization and reform of the health sector. The project conducted a public education campaign and formulated a health care finance model, a pilot privatization project demonstrating the policies advocated by the paper and emphasizing the health reforms for both consumers and providers by improving nursing, financing, pharmaceuticals and warehousing techniques. Russia: Medical Technology Transfer Activity (USAID): IBTCI coordinated and evaluated proposals submitted to USAID; recommended, based upon evaluation of proposals, American pharmaceutical firms exhibiting the most expertise, experience and immediate readiness to undertake the tasks of MTTA; and coordinated a detailed assessment of the Russian pharmaceutical sector. IBTCI successfully performed expedited environmental assessments; completed due diligence processes for the three participant companies; and offered our client an independent review of the state of the environmental assessments and strategic compliance plans for all three sites. In conjunction with the Russian Ministry of Health, IBTCI helped to establish a list of critical drugs targeted for production under the MTTA project. Russia: National Health Care Initiative (USAID): With the results of an opinion poll that assessed public acceptance of private health services to determine preferences for various types and levels of health care delivery, IBTCI developed (1) a region-based private hospital-clinic-physician structure for health care delivery;(2) draft regulations for the private management of hospitals, drug manufacturing and distribution enterprises; (3) a conceptual design of health insurance programs, training, incentives and compensation packages for health care providers; (4) cost-effective hospital, health care delivery and pharmacy operations plan; and (5) a model demonstration program on the improvement of health care delivery and procedures within existing facilities. Russia: Vegetable, Wholesale and Distribution Restructuring (USAID): The objective of this project was to develop plans for an organizational infrastructure based on private sector food distribution system country-wide to increase the availability of food products at affordable prices while reducing spoilage and waste. Ukraine: Investment Promotion in the Pharmaceutical Industry (USAID): Aimed at determining the feasibility and mechanisms for promoting private sector pharmaceutical production, IBTCI investigated the economic, regulatory and political constraints. Then helped evaluate the potential for U.S. firms to engage in foreign direct investment and network with local firms in the Ukraine pharmaceutical industry. IBTCI (1) designed and implemented the project; (2) created an information database and monitored activities of companies engaged in manufacturing pharmaceuticals in Ukraine; (3) created contact information on company executives and locations, product lines, and privatization status; (4) undertook site visits; and (5) created marketing briefs detailing the background and capabilities of the most promising Ukrainian pharmaceutical manufacturers. These compiled profiles were then distributed and marketed as attractive partners to US-based firms considering investment in Ukraine. Private Sector Development and Competitiveness Africa: Private Sector Development Activity (AfDB): IBTCI provided recommendations to the President of the AfDB on strategies to increase the international competitiveness of the African private sector. The firm conducted a review of the policy, regulatory framework and institutional development aspects, and export marketing strategies and production capabilities, in terms of technology, quality, reliability and costs. An IBTCI representative was invited to attend a Round Table for Businessmen in Africa in Lusaka and Tokyo. Armenia: Privatization and Reform Project (USAID): IBTCI was contracted to assist the Government of Armenia in designing strategies and transaction support for the rapid privatization of targeted enterprises remaining under state ownership, including residual shares held by the Government. The firms included airlines, machine tools, and a mining company. We also provided advice in regulatory and policy frameworks, and in developed a website as part of public awareness. Bangladesh: Export Promotion and Diversification (WB): IBTCI provided a range of technical and programmatic services to the Ministry of Commerce and the government of Bangladesh on export diversification. Such services included conducting specific World Trade Organization (WTO), sector, and constraints studies, and advice on production and market access issues. In addition, a large part of the technical assistance related to helping the Ministry of Commerce set up the institutional and support structures to oversee and improve export policy. Bangladesh: Privatization Program Design and Implementation (WB): IBTCI conducted three projects to assist the government of Bangladesh (GOB) to organize and implement a nationwide privatization program. The first phase advised the government on the best method of organizing a privatization program, and anticipated constraints. The second phase dealt with the organizational structure of a Privatization Agency including the legislative authority. The third phase dealt with the sale of enterprises in the jute, chemical, textile and manufacturing sectors. Bangladesh: Privatization of Public Manufacturing Enterprise (ADB): IBTCI was retained by the ADB to provide comprehensive policy, regulatory and enterprise based services to promote privatization. Our team reviewed about 150 enterprises under five holding companies and formulated strategies for their divestment. Bosnia: Privatization of Strategic Enterprises (USAID): On this technical assistance project, IBTCI provided support in the privatization of strategic enterprises in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) and the Republic of Sprska (RS). IBTCI used a range of divestment techniques including liquidation and reorganization to divest the State of enterprises that fail to be privatized and provided useful training on techniques and procedures in liquidation and reorganization. Additional technical assistance and training were provided in reforming legal and judicial processes. Egypt: Establishment and Operation of a Marketing Support Office in Ireland for Private Sector Egyptian Software Developers (PSDP): This project involved the establishment, staffing and management of a marketing office in Dublin on behalf of nine of Egypt’s leading offshore software developers. IBCTI created the concept and brand of “Software from Egypt” to promote the capabilities of Egypt’s Offshore Software Development sector to Irish and European software houses. The project resulted in a number of strategic alliances and joint ventures with Irish companies. Egypt: Privatization Program Evaluation (USAID): IBTCI developed and managed the program evaluation and management control system of foreign assistance for the privatization of State Owned Enterprises. We conducted front-end and back-end economic and regulatory assessments, and provided continuous analysis on the effectiveness and impact of program activities on the implementation of the national privatization program. Our work also included developing a set of recommendations for the adoption of an organization structure that would take charge of the implementation of the Egyptian privatization program with defined roles and responsibilities for each unit, as well as the overall structure of a Privatization Unit supporting ministerial activities. Egypt: Legal Analysis and Regulatory Framework of Sale of Shares (USAID): The emphasis of the study was on analyzing the legal and regulatory framework relating to share issue, valuation of share prices, disclosures and notice for issue of a prospectus and sale of enterprises. IBTCI reviewed the general legal provisions or developed the regulatory framework for capital markets and securities law, including rules for CMA and ESOPs; and legal disputes and arbitration aspects. Egypt: Global Brands – Design and Implementation of Human Resource Development Program (PSDP): The project supported the development of a model Small and Medium Enterprise in the Information Technology sector. There were interconnected development components and we provided advice in business promotion and marketing, corporate image design, organizational structure, staff management training, human resource development, and project management. Egypt: Investment Banking Requirements for Privatization of Egyptian Enterprises (USAID): The objective of the project was to help accelerate Egypt's privatization program by enhancing the skills of government and holding company managers in the planning and implementation of privatization transaction strategies through improving their knowledge of, and access to, international investment banking practices, the role of investment bankers, and other information. As a subcontractor, IBTCI provided training services and technical support to Egypt's Ministry of Public Enterprises, the Public Enterprise Office and individual state holding companies. Gambia: National Capacity Building Program (UNDP): IBTCI conducted analytical review and recommendations for this UNDP funded project aimed at capacity enhancement of macroeconomic and financial management institutions to formulate, implement, and monitor Government macroeconomic and financial policies, and improve capabilities for policy formulation, public expenditure planning, project and program selection. Ghana: Constraints to Development of Consultancy Networks (UNDP): This UNDP project assessed the domestic provision of consulting services in Ghana and made recommendations to organize and develop consultancy networks. IBTCI studied the level and organization of consulting firms and personnel for all sectors of the Ghana economy, and made recommendations to improve and strengthen the structure of the consultancy industry. Guyana: Privatization Strategy (WB): For the World Bank, IBTCI completed a financial survey on 20 commercial and industrial enterprises in the public corporation sector using key financial and performance indicators including profitability and public expenditure. Six enterprises were later selected as likely candidates for public divestment. Hungary: Study Tour to Ireland by Officials from the Progress Foundation Enterprise Centre in Csongrád County (PFEC): This study program was designed for 20 agri-business entrepreneurs from the Csongrád County in Hungary, to expose them to alternative and/or related businesses. IBTCI coordinated the logistics and managed the program of visits to a number of agri-tourism initiatives and attendance at a presentation by the Irish Ministry of Agriculture and Regional Development. India: Investment Climate in the State of Uttar Pradesh (WB): The study’s objective was to assess the investment climate affecting small and medium enterprises in Uttar Pradesh (UP) and provide concrete recommendations for improvement. The study reviewed and assessed the legal, policy and regulatory framework, especially relating to the entry, operations and exit of SMEs in UP with particular focus on textiles, garments, pharmaceuticals, electronics, sugar, paper, leather, auto parts and refined oil sectors. India: Determinants of Performance of Public Enterprises (WB): IBTCI reviewed the origin, objectives, performance and structure of control within 130 government enterprises in India and recommended organizational and structural changes that would help improve performance. Kenya: Privatization of State-Owned Enterprises (WB): IBTCI restructured and privatized 25 state-owned enterprises and four development financial institutions. Kosovo: Technical Assistance for the Establishment and Management of a Interim Credit Unit for Lending to Small and Medium-sized Enterprises in Kosovo (EAR): This project assisted in developing the SME community in Kosovo through the provision of affordable credit. The pilot SME credit line developed channeled funds to financially and technically viable investment projects presented by SMEs. Technical assistance and training was provided to ensure that proper loan portfolio management systems were in place to achieve a high standard of loan recovery, and efficient recycling of funds. Kyrgyz Republic: Corporate Governance and Enterprise Reform Program (ADB): As a subcontractor on this ADB funded technical assistance, IBTCI is providing services aimed at strengthening the overall corporate and financial governance reforms in the Kyrgyz Republic by providing institutional capacity building support for corporate governance norms in all enterprises, adoption of modern accounting standards, and a comprehensive diagnostic assessment of the problems and constraints facing the judiciary in its efforts to enforce legal and regulatory provisions. IBTCI corporate governance and legal experts have worked closely with Kyrgyz Corporate Development Center, to institute reforms. Kyrgyz Republic: Privatization Information and Public Education (USAID): In the Kyrgyz Republic, IBTCI identified constraints and developed strategies for privatization reform. In conjunction with the State Property Fund and The President’s Press Club, IBTCI developed road shows and media campaign to educate and provide awareness to the general population on the country’s upcoming privatization and market reform programs. Lithuania: Enterprise and Financial Assistance (WB): IBTCI implemented a series of advisory projects that led to the establishment of pre and post-privatization centers in Lithuania. An accelerated enterprise screening procedure was instituted to collect and analyze corporate data, permitting the IBTCI team to conduct a comprehensive reform audit and prepare business plans for four enterprises involved in electronics, wood processing, fisheries, and metal products. Moldova: Agency for Enterprise Restructuring Assistance Training (WB): IBTCI provided the Moldovan Agency for Enterprise Restructuring Assistance (ARIA) training in business management and operations. After an initial assessment, recommendations were formulated using case studies, and covering organization development, financial management, marketing and production planning. The direct assessment and case studies formed the basis of a comprehensive training program for the entire ARIA staff. Moldova: Support of Capital Markets Infrastructure and Acceleration of Cash Auctions of Residual and Reserved Shares (USAID): An IBTCI team provided assistance to strengthen the capital markets infrastructure through initiatives in capacity building, increased participation by the broker-dealer and investment fund community, and the stimulation of activity. IBTCI also successfully managed the auction of residual shares of 288 enterprises over a period of one year. Montenegro: Technical Assistance for Establishment of an Euro Info Correspondence Centre (EICC), within the SME Development Agency (SMEDA) (EAR): The overall objective of this project was to foster sustainable development of the SME sector, through the establishment of an effective SME business support infrastructure. IBTCI assisted the newly established EICC in the design and execution of a communication and public awareness campaign using a range of modern media tools to promote the services of the EICC to the SME community. Nepal: Cottage and Small Industries Development Phases I, II and III (ADB): IBTCI evaluated the production methods, marketing, financial management, and organization of the cottage and small industries. We recommended policy and micro level actions to increase the exports of the small cottage industry. Nigeria: Call Down Framework Contract for the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) (DFID): IBTCI provided and managed a pool of specialized short-term expert consultants in various sectors to assist the Nigerian Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) in the privatization of state-owned enterprises on a rapid-response basis. The overall purpose of the project was to contribute to the economic objectives of the Nigerian government and the BPE in its privatization and economic development activities. While the BPE has an ongoing source of expertise on major privatization transactions, it lacks ready access to a ready source of a non-transaction expertise available for call down on short-term notice. The objectives of the project was to harness the necessary local and international expertise to enable the BPE to access it on short notice, as and when required, and to administer the supply side of the call down framework. Nigeria: Federal Government of Nigeria Support to the Government's Broad Based Privatization Program (USAID): The objective of this project was to identify and develop a team of privatization and other specialists to provide assistance to the Bureau for Public Enterprises (BPE) for capacity building and to address the key policy issues surrounding the privatization program. IBTCI provided institutional development and capacity development technical assistance in all areas of strategy, operations, and oversight. The technical assistance provided a wide range of services to facilitate the national privatization program management: IT infrastructure, program monitoring, sector studies, environmental assessments, and labor impact analysis. Nigeria: Support to Government Economic Management and Policy Analysis (USAID): IBTCI provided technical assistance and training to core Nigerian government economists from the Planning Commission in macroeconomic policy analysis. IBTCI provided macroeconomic modeling techniques, development of operational development scenarios, external debt management and financial and economical analysis to improve the capacity to make informative policy and program decisions. Pakistan: Divestment of Public Sector Enterprises (ADB): IBTCI developed a strategy for divestment, evaluated assets, divested public sector enterprises, finalized criteria for bid selection and conducted negotiations with private entrepreneurs for sale of public enterprises. Russia: Evaluation of Post-Privatization Restructuring (USAID): IBTCI evaluated three assistance programs that were designed to restructure and assist in improving the operations and viability of about 200 small, medium and large enterprises. The IBTCI team visited enterprises and conducted a comparative assessment of current operations to determine the effects of the restructuring and improvement assistance. Russia: Investment Promotion in the Pharmaceutical Industry (USAID): IBTCI developed an investment promotion program to attract U.S. pharmaceutical firms to establish manufacturing facilities in Russia. IBTCI prepared the due diligence and successful establishment of one of the first U.S. investment projects in drug manufacturing in Russia. Russia: Privatization of Commercial Real Estate (USAID): With the demise of State-run retail establishments, the Government of Russia recognized the urgent need to make available commercial space for privately run retail stores. This USAID project was conducted countrywide and reform methods ranged from direct auctions of property to mortgage banking systems. Privatization models increased the flow of private investments into remote regions and provided a revenue bridge for local governments as well as leading to the establishment of market based pricing of real estate. Sri Lanka: SMI Development Policy and Strategies Study (ADB): IBTCI conducted a review of the Sri Lankan small and medium industrial (SMI) sector. The study reviewed the Sri Lanka SMI sector to identify constraints in the area of infrastructure, management, production, marketing and financing. Uganda: SME Financing (WB): IBTCI carried out a comprehensive project preparation of funding mechanisms for small and medium sized enterprises, creation of industrial estates and development of support services, on a World Bank funded project. Worldwide: Privatization Best Practices (USAID): IBTCI executed a special study on privatization experiences and lessons learned. This study was based on a 22-country review of privatization programs undertaken in several sectors and it identified privatization lessons learned, best practices, and transferable lessons to other countries and projects.