Trade

The Malawi Business Climate Survey (MBCS) is a perception survey aimed at getting views from the business community on how conducive the business environment is for business growth. In order to effectively discharge its role as an engine of economic growth; the private sector requires a conducive business environment.

This report is on the results of the Malawi Business Climate Survey (MBCS) for 2009. The Malawi Business Climate Survey is conducted annually by the Malawi Confederation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (MCCCI). It is a perception survey that assesses the business climate from the perspective of the investors in Malawi. It is a very critical tool for lobbying and advocacy. Since its launch in 2004, the MBCS has been used as a basis for advancing the interests of the business community in Malawi.

The Malawi Business Climate Survey (MBCS) is a perception survey aimed at getting views from the business community on the conduciveness of the business environment for private sector development. A good business environment is a prerequisite for increased growth as it encourages investment. With increased investment, employment increases and so does wealth creation and consequently poverty is reduced.

Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) have been widely recognized for playing significant role in poverty reduction through income generation from sales, job creation at low cost, utilization of locally found resources, adding value to agricultural produce, and production of goods and services that meet basic needs of the poor. However, the contribution of MSEs to poverty reduction processes and development in general is much dependent on the length of period these enterprises survive.

The bank rate(the rate at which commercial banks borrow from the central bank) is one of the main instruments used by the Reserve Bank of Malawi to implement monetary policy. The rate was last reduced in November 2007, from 17.5 percent to 15 percent and was maintained at that level until 1st August 2010 when it was further cut down to 13%. However, commercial banks’ prime lending rates and average savings rate remained at 19.6 percent and 3.3 percent, respectively. According to the Governor of the Reserve Bank of Malawi-RBM, Dr.

This paper discusses the role of the financial system in economic development by assessing the development and efficiency factors of capital markets in Malawi. Popiel and Stiglitz (2002) have

Market access for agricultural products from developing and least developed countries is hampered by numerous trade barriers. Some of these barriers appear in the form of standards and technical regulations that have to be followed by both exporters and importers. While some of these standards and regulations are purposely crafted to restrict certain imports, others are genuine measures serving various purposes. These barriers to trade are commonly referred to as technical barriers to trade.