Export and investment promotion

The evaluation covered the period 7/86-8/92. BCCI/BEIPU has provided a variety of services to exporters and investors -- formation of companies, development of concession applications, and TA -- and is perceived by both the public and private sectors as a dynamic organization capable of representing its members" interests and promoting the private sector at home and abroad. The Unit"s objective of becoming a national private sector service organization involved with manufacturing, agriculture, and other productive areas in both urban and rural areas is partially achieved, with a membership of 268 vs. a target of 1,000. On the negative side, BCCI/BEIPU lacks the capability to monitor its activities and their contribution to project objectives. An expanded computer system is being planned as a partial solution. Also, BCCI/BEIPU produces minimal income and will face a serious funding shortfall when USAID financing is withdrawn. Sustaining BCCI/BEIPU"s status beyond 1993, when the project ends, is crucial to the ultimate achievement of the project"s purpose. IESC provided high-quality TA to Belizean businesses that helped reduce costs, but did not have much impact on export development, investment generation, or job creation. It did provide valuable TA to tourist businesses and did an outstanding job in reaching women-owned and women-managed businesses. Although costs to clients were low, overall cost-effectiveness was less than planned. According to the Mission, the evaluation"s remarks about BCCI/BEIPU"s lack of direct impact on exports, investment, and tourism -- remarks which have influenced the Government of Belize"s perception of the organization -- were better left unsaid, since direct impact is not a project objective. On the other hand, the evaluators are judged to have provided excellent recommendations for improving BCCI/BEIPU"s management, the key to its institutional and financial sustainability.