Private Sector Development – A concern for all sectors

The market-oriented transition undertaken bymany countries in the last decade, often involvingstructural adjustment programmes,has caused increased attention to focus on theprivate business sector. A well-functioning privatebusiness sector can promote economicgrowth and help to reduce poverty. Privatesector development (see box) is therefore increasinglyviewed as an important componentof national development and of country assistancestrategies.