PHA-Exch> WB: Business and Poverty: Opening markets to the poor (4)

[Claudio Schuftan]

From: Wim De Ceukelaire wim.deceukelaire at intal.be

Claudio wrote:  *How skeptical should we be...?*
I ask: How cynical can they be?

 It's an amazing read. Here are some hair raising quotes:

"It can be argued that the private sector may have contributed to broadening
the gap between the rich and the poor and to environmental degradation, but
business has also helped improve the quality of life in many low-income
areas."

"Put simply, while an analysis of the depth of poverty does not generate
private sector enthusiasm for investment, an analysis of BoP market size and
willingness to pay might—and is thus a critical step toward market-based
solutions. For governments, such an analysis can help focus attention on
reforms needed in the operating and regulatory environment to allow a larger
role for the private sector."

"Founded in 1866, and the world's largest milk company since the early
1900s, Nestlé has improved the quality of life for local partners and
constituents in developing countries, decreased malnutrition within emerging
markets, and contributed to economic development in these countries around
the world."

"It makes good business sense for food companies to prioritize engagement
with the poorest. Knowing that some four billion low-income consumers live
in relative poverty with an income below $3,000 in local purchasing power
parity, food companies are increasingly open to serving this huge market.
While their combined purchasing power amounts to 5 trillion international
dollars (purchasing power parity exchange rates), most of that money is
spent on food."

"The experience to date also underscores the importance and need for
development agencies and donors to continue to support business solutions
and, thus, maximize productivity of the poor. GAIN can mobilize development
partners from the public and non-profit sectors to create an enabling
environment for companies interested in investing in nutrition for the
poor."

*Business and Poverty: Opening markets to the poor*

  *New Development Outreach showcases how forward-looking companies are
reaching out to the 4 billion people who live on less than $5 a day….*

*Development OUTREACH - Flagship Magazine -Global knowledge for development
- Learning programs of the World Bank*

Website: http://www1.worldbank.org/devoutreach/
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