The CBC encourages private-public dialogue on trade and investment issues in order to build a shared understanding of the challenges facing business and governments and contribute to better policy formulation and more private sector investment activity.The CBC seeks to help improve the business and investment climate in Commonwealth member countries through the expertise and direct involvement of its private sector members and partners from both developing and developed countries doing business across the Commonwealth.

Investment Forums

CBC organizes many national and regional investment Forums which provide an opportunity to highlight investment opportunities as well as create a platform for direct interaction between policy makers and the private sector aimed at strengthening the business environment and removing obstacles to doing business. CBC’s work on the business environment highlights the importance of policymakers and businesspeople working together to overcome obstacles and foster successes.

Practical support and inputs from the private sector have been provided through country programmes including the Zambia International Business Advisory Council (ZIBAC), aimed at helping the country to attract new investment.

Commonwealth Business Environment Report

The Commonwealth Business Environment Report is intended to complement the work being done at national level to strengthen the investment climate by providing an information resource and proposed agenda for dialogue. The Report also complements investment climate strengthening programmes carried out by international agencies including the World Bank/IFC, UNCTAD and a number of co-operating partner development agencies. We believe it can be a useful tool to assist the work of multilateral agencies working in this area including the Investment Climate Facility (ICF) for Africa.

Network of Commonwealth Investment Promotion Agencies

At the Commonwealth Business Forum held in Perth, Australia in October 2011, CBC announced plans to establish a network of Commonwealth Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs) to share best practice and improve links between IPAs. We intend to set up an e-platform network and work together in preparing for the 2013 Commonwealth Business Forum.

Through these activities, the CBC will continue its work to help mobilise investment in Commonwealth countries and strengthen the role of the private sector in that process.