“Private profit for public good?”

30.05.2012, expert roundtable, participation upon personal invitation only

Launch of Eurodad’s Report on the role of public finance in supporting the private sector in developing countries

A thriving private sector that contributes to equitable development requires public sector support. Public authorities are responsible for establishing a predictable business environment that contributes to development and fosters domestic competition. They also invest in physical infrastructure and in health and education to ensure a skilled and healthy labour force. Public development banks have historically played a crucial role in providing long-term finance to private sector investments. They have traditionally provided finance to credit-constrained companies, addressing private financial market gaps and failures. They are usually at the service of national economic development strategies and industrial policies, channelling support to economic sectors and companies that are considered of strategic importance for the country.

For this purpose, Eurodad assessed recent grant and loan trends, and the portfolios of some of the largest multilateral and bilateral development agencies providing public support to private investments in developing countries.

Contact: Sidonie.Wetzig(at)fes-europe.eu