13 October - Private Sector Holds Key to Tackling Global Poverty (DFID)
DFID has committed to intensify its work to stimulate the private sector to become a much bigger engine of growth in poorer countries. Measures include: a new Private Sector Department; boosting private investment (with business experts seconded in as advisers); encouraging reduced barriers to growth (a level playing field for all investors, fairer and more open trade, easier market entry, and streamlined regulation); CDC reform (regaining its power to invest directly, lend and provide guarantees where development need is greatest with less reliance on fund managers; and push for a successful conclusion to the Doha trade negotiations. CDC is set to play a key role: DFID will set up an external consultation about how its capital should be targeted, and publish the results early next year.