IGD update | Spring 2010
Contents: From the President | Business Case for Foreign Aid Reform | Trade and development in Africa | Administration update | Frontier 100 update | Hernando de Soto | Network notes | Support IGD
Dear IGD friends and supporters,
IGD is committed to two complementary strategies for engaging business leaders in the fight against global poverty: bringing the voice of business to bear on U.S. policies that impact poverty and development, and catalyzing business initiatives to increase investment and growth in developing countries.
At the 2009 National Summit these strategies were endorsed by President Obama’s National Security Advisor Gen. Jim Jones and corporate leaders such as Neville Isdell of Coca-Cola, Jeff Immelt of GE and Terry McGraw of McGraw-Hill. Our policy priorities are foreign assistance reform, trade for development, and promoting an integrated U.S. strategy. The Frontier 100 network now includes 35 CEOs from the United States and Africa, who are focused on increasing access to investment for small and medium enterprises and helping to improve investor perceptions of Africa.
We are driving an ambitious work plan for 2010 and beyond and we appreciate your continued support of IGD. Here are some highlights from the first quarter of the year.
Best regards,
Jennifer Potter, IGD President & CEO
Business Case for Foreign Aid Reform
This IGD publication demonstrates why aid reform is a
critical concern to U.S. business and argues that one of the best ways to boost growth and expand opportunity around the world is to improve the impact of U.S. foreign assistance.
Trade and development in Africa
IGD recently endorsed a white paper on trade and development in Africa that was submitted as written comment to the Senate Finance Committee. The proposal describes the need for supply-side investments and outlines ways in which the U.S. government could better integrate its aid programs and trade policy to more effectively promote development.
Administration update
USAID Administrator Raj Shah
appeared before the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and House State,
Foreign Operations Appropriations Subcommittee to talk specifically
about the USAID budget and the Administration’s budget priorities for
development. He emphasized global health, food security and programs
that focus on results.
Frontier 100 update
IGD will hold the second Frontier 100 Annual Forum
in Dakar, Senegal, April 14-15, 2010 to set strategic direction for the network. Frontier 100 has recently welcomed five new members and is focusing on an initiative to increase access to investment for high-potential small and medium enterprises. Frontier 100 CEOs are
committed to facilitating investments and providing management
assistance to SMEs in their value chains and local markets.
Hernando de Soto
At an event hosted by IGD in January, renowned economist Hernando de Soto
argued that property rights and rule of law are keys to long-term
global poverty reduction. Through the Institute for Liberty and
Democracy, Hernando de Soto provides assistance to help developing
country governments furnish their citizens with fundamental legal tools
so they can participate in both local and international markets.
Network notes
IGD welcomes Michael Strianese, President & CEO, L-3 Communications Holdings, Inc. to its Leadership Council, and welcomes new Frontier 100 members Stephen Cashin, Mteto Nyati, Austin Okere, Len Brand and Mark Tunmer. John N. Heathcliff has joined the staff as Vice President of Development to create and strengthen funding opportunities and strategic partnerships to support IGD’s work.
Support IGD
Help address global poverty by supporting IGD's efforts to champion smarter U.S. policies and develop targeted Frontier 100 initiatives.
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www.igdleaders.org
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