- Posted on: August 29, 2018
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) can be achieved only if the private sector is actively involved in the process of finding solutions. This is one of Germany’s “Agenda 2030” main conclusions, and consequently German development cooperation steadily increases its efforts to integrate private sector engagement into its work around the globe. By establishing the Global Business Network (GBN) programme in Cambodia, the German Business Group and EuroCham are entering a new stage in their support of this strategy. The Business and Cooperation Desk is directly located in the EuroCham office in Phnom Penh and will be managed by Mrs. Bianca Untied.
The GBN Programme aims to enhance cooperation between local, German and European businesses and development cooperation. It provides and processes information relevant to investors and develops new and tailored approaches for cooperation designed to boost economic activity in developing countries. Furthermore, GBN successfully links entrepreneurial spirit as well as sustainable economic and social development. GBN is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH. It works closely with German Chambers of Commerce Abroad (AHK) regional offices.
Special attention is paid to developing relevant industries, such as food processing, energy, water, renewable energies, medical technology, as well as information and communication technology. Cooperation with the private sector is one of the programme’s core focuses.
“We are very glad to implement this programme here in Cambodia together with GIZ and EuroCham Cambodia. A thriving Cambodian private sector creates new jobs, generates additional income and promotes innovation. The ‘Agenda 2030’ and the resulting, increased focus on working with the private sector in helping to develop sustainable economic sectors in key growth areas fits perfectly to our goals as an business association with a longstanding experience and a broad network here in Cambodia”, says Tassilo Brinzer, president of the Germany Business Group in Cambodia and vice chairman of EuroCham Cambodia.
Key elements of the Business & Cooperation Desk in Cambodia are to:
- Share advice and guidance to support local, German and European businesses and institutions in engaging in development cooperation
- Support local and regional cooperation of ADW and the local German business community with their relevant chamber partners
- Coordinate and support ADW internal chapter activities
- Build sustainable networks involving the private sector and development cooperation with a view to maintaining existing cooperation, and designing and implementing new forms of cooperation
- Support local approaches to development and matching them with German or European businesses
- Streamline private sector cooperation within the German development cooperation