September 25, 2003

The Center for International Private Enterprise (C.I.P.E.) hosted a conference today to announce the results of the Romanian Business Association Development Project. The project, funded by the United States Agency for International Development and implemented by CIPE, concludes its three-year term on September 30. Conference speakers applauded the success of the project in many areas, but focused on the following results:

· Membership in Romanian business associations rose by 34.3% in three years, exceeding the project target by more than 10%.
· Romanian business associations forwarded 42 public policy advocacy proposals to the Government of Romania in three years, exceeding the project target by more than 50%.
· Romanian business associations initiated 28 joint venture, import-export transactions, and technology transfers that created over 400 jobs and generated investment of more than $1.2 million. This exceeds the project target by more than 30%.
· Over 128 business association executives were trained in advocacy and trade promotion. This exceeds the project target by more than 38%.
· More than $320,000 was distributed to business associations under three different grant programs.
· More than 28 business associations achieved financial sustainability over the last three years, when compared to an international best practices model. This exceeds the project target by more than 20%.

According to Senator Simona Marinescu, the project greatly enhanced dialogue between the private sector and government. "Thanks to this project, the business associations established a collaborative relationship with government that allows for open dialogue and transparent interaction," said Senator Marinescu. Rodger Garner, Mission Director for USAID, also commended the business associations for their accomplishments but reminded them that the work is not done. "USAID's assistance will continue through programs like GRASP and the MSME project," he said. "These programs will build on the foundation established by CIPE and will allow business associations to rise to the next level in their support of private sector development."

Gheorghe Serban, representing the Association of Internet Service Providers, was one of many business association representatives who praised the project's accomplishments. "From the standpoint of the information technology sector, this project was invaluable in that it provided us technical assistance, but a new way of thinking."


OVERVIEW
USAID/CIPE ROMANIAN BUSINESS ASSOCIATION DEVELOPMENT PROJECT

 

The Center for International Private Enterprise has been active in Romania since 1991-92. CIPE has conducted training programs for business association executives, supported the development of a Strategic Alliance of Business Associations (SABA), provided grants for institutional development, and conducted workshops in corporate governance, among other projects. In 2000, USAID-Romania selected CIPE as the contractor for a major initiative to support business association development in the information technology, manufacturing, and tourism sectors.

Under this three-year program, CIPE is responsible for a number of activities that will strengthen Romanian business associations and at the same time benefit their members. The following are some of these activities:

· Public Policy Advocacy: CIPE will assist business associations within the target sectors in the identification of public policy issues and the development of public policy campaigns to communicate their priorities to their membership, the public and to elected officials and regulators.
· Institutional Development: CIPE will assist associations in overcoming barriers to their growth and development.
· Information: Through a series of forums, think tanks, and conferences, CIPE will provide information on a variety of issues relative to organizational development, public policy, membership, etc.
· Grants: CIPE will administer a grant program to provide seed funding to associations that allows them to start new programs and develop creative ideas.
· Investment Opportunities: CIPE will attempt to create investment opportunities in the target sectors by establishing partnerships between business associations and potential investors.
· Volunteer Experts: CIPE will provide much of its assistance through volunteer experts who will work with participating associations, providing them with counselling and expertise.
· Strengthening of Women's Associations: CIPE will provide assistance to existing women's associations and will sponsor a major conference for Romanian businesswomen.

These are a few of the important activities included in this project. CIPE's history of excellence in support of democracy and free enterprise development is well known, and we will strive to exceed the expectations of USAID, the business associations, and our collaborative partners.

Contacts:
USAID:
Jay Sorensen, Public Outreach Coordinator; e-mail: jsorensen@usaid.gov
CIPE:
Mark T. McCord, CCE, Chief of Party; e-mail: mmccord@cipe.org