European Commission Communication COM(2014)263 - "A Stronger Role of the Private Sector in Achieving Inclusive and Sustainable Growth in Developing Countries"

The new EU Communication  "A Stronger Role of the Private Sector in Achieving Inclusive and Sustainable Growth in Developing Countries" has been adopted in May 2014 by the European Commission, setting out the role of private sector at the forefront of international development in its partner countries. It proposes 12 concrete actions in areas where the Commission believes it can add value and effectively complement actions by Member States and other development partners. These address better regulatory environments in partner countries, business development and access to finance, especially for job-creating micro, small and medium-sized businesses in the formal and informal sectors. It identifies other areas, including sustainable energy and sustainable agriculture, where we use tools like blending to catalyse private sector finance and engagement to complement EU development assistance effectively. It also encourages the private sector from partner countries, the EU and beyond, to engage in responsible investment, sustainable trade, inclusive business models and other strategies as part of its core business to enhance economic opportunities for the poor and thereby achieve development aims.

Source: https://ec.europa.eu/europeaid/sectors/economic-growth/private-sector-development_en (latest update 19/11/2015)