Canada and UNDP

Private sector development

The objective of CIDA’s private sector development (PSD) policy, which aims to contribute to the MDGs, is to create sustainable jobs and livelihoods by helping markets to function well and by stimulating the growth of the local private sector in developing countries.

In support of this objective, CIDA pursues pro-poor economic growth—growth that actively engages and directly benefits the poor. It will be guided by a vision of sustainable development that recognizes the importance of governance, taking a long-term approach, and achieving the right balance among the social, environmental, and economic aspects of development.

Building upon the report of the commission co-chaired by former Canadian Prime Minister Paul Martin, "Unleashing Entrepreneurship," CIDA and UNDP have developed a strong engagement on the private sector issue, mainly around UNDP’s “Growing sustainable business initiative” and the possible establishment of a high level Task Force of CEOs for PSD.

Examples of projects

Madagascar – rural electrification e7-fund (Hydro-Quebec-Canada/ EDF-France/ RWE-Germany)

OECS-CIDA-UNDP Microstart Project, Eastern Caribbean