District Enterprise Forum (DEF)

To create public-private dialogue for Regional Economic Development, District Enterprise Forums, which bring together representatives of National and Provincial government authorities, private sector, NGOs and Government service providers are established in each district. These are dialogue forums for MSME development, addressing issues especially with regard to the policy and regulatory environment at District level. It is chaired by the District secretary.

The objective of the District Enterprise Forum is broadly to contribute to regional economic development through MSME development. Accordingly, the role of the District Enterprise Forum is to be a facilitator and function as a forum for dialogue to achieve this objective.

The role of the District Enterprise Forum

• To keeping a consultations and dialogue among the members to promote the MSMEs in the District.
• Facilitate networking among all District stakeholders relevant to MSME development.
• Address issues in the MSME sector and contribute to devising solutions.
• Facilitate advocacy and lobbying in order to bring MSME related issues to the national level.
• Suggest, promote and in some cases coordinate activities relevant to MSME development in the District, for example assessments of the business environment, trade fairs, exhibitions, business links, mobile services, conferences, workshops and seminars.
• Contribute to District Development Plans of the national and local government institutions.
• Promote optimal utilization of regional resources, for example natural resources, land and labor.
• Facilitate investment and export promotion through the Chamber of Commerce.
• Be a link between the District’s needs and development programs sponsored by government and donors.

Members

• District Secretary
• District/Provincial Chamber of Commerce and Industry
• District Chamber of Commerce
• MSME Associations
• The Director Planning
• Provincial Director of small industries
• Government providers of business development services
• NGOs (one providing business development services)
• Commercial banks
• Micro-finance institutes
• Provincial Commissioner of Local Government
• One media representative/regional journalist