Role of the private sector in post conflict Yemen

The role of the private sector in post conflict Yemen was the subject of a closed roundtable discussion in Dubai that was organized by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), Dubai Public Policy Research Centre (b’huth), and the Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE). The discussion that involved a number of business leaders from Yemen and the GCC as well as regional and international experts was part of an effort to discuss the various opportunities available for a recovery of the Yemeni economy. The session which was held at The Address Dubai Mall gathered 28 experts from Yemen, the GCC and the international community.

The roundtable discussion explored experiences of the private sector in post-conflict situations – typology, successes, and challenges as well as the associated risk areas: political, legal, and country risk. Experts discussed current as well as anticipated opportunities and challenges of the private sector in Yemen, including the very early stages of the post-conflict phase.

There was also focus on the opportunities and challenges of the private sector to effectively contribute to Yemen’s economic recovery in the immediate/ short term after a political deal is reached in Yemen, especially in practical the challenges that the banking, trade and SME sector will face and to what extent interventions and accompanying policy making will allow the private sector to effectively operate inside Yemen.

Discussions also looked at the role private sector can play in Yemen’s reconstruction and the type of longer-term strategy for public-private dialogue to support executive reforms that will help stimulate Yemen’s private sector to thrive, create jobs, and contribute to stability and sustainable economic growth.

The roundtable was the first step towards creating a Yemen Private Sector Working Group that will be the Front-Runner of the type of platform that can best be revitalized to support the role of Yemen’s private sector in post-conflict Yemen.

IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. Working with 2,000 businesses worldwide, we use our six decades of experience to create opportunity where it’s needed most. In FY15, our long-term investments in developing countries rose to nearly $18 billion, leveraging our capital, expertise and influence to help the private sector end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity. For more information, visit www.ifc.org.

B’huth, Dubai Public Policy Research Center (b’huth) is a Dubai based independent policy research center. B’huth’s experienced team of strategists are committed to innovation in the area of public policy in the UAE and the region by identifying, tracking, and helping to resolve issues that challenge the government and society of the United Arab Emirates. In a region that has seen the rate of development grow exponentially, the b’huth team understands the role independent research plays in the process of identifying areas for development. Now, B’huth works toward objective and independent analysis for decision makers, providing insight and forecasts that put regional facts into global contexts in areas that include, but are not limited to: Geo-strategy, reputation and soft power, Public Policy, International Relations, and Public Opinion Studies. Reimagining Yemen is a program run by b’huth that focuses on post conflict Yemen and is dedicated to policies that could help in the development of Yemen after the end of the conflict.

The Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE), strengthens democracy around the globe through private enterprise and market-oriented reform. CIPE is one of the four core institutes of the National Endowment for Democracy and an affiliate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Since 1983, CIPE has worked with business leaders, policymakers, and civil society to build the institutions vital to a democratic society. CIPE’s key program areas include enterprise ecosystems, democratic governance, business advocacy, and anti-corruption and ethics.