Engagements in Host Countries Why, What and How Bipul Chatterjee Deputy Executive Director CUTS International

Broad Contours of Economic Diplomacy Economic Diplomacy starts with trade and ends with trade and investment Making trade possible and making trade happens are two different things Trade and investment promotion are to be accompanied by new generation issues such as technology transfer Linkages between economic and other areas of diplomacy

Broad Areas of Engagements Economic policy areas Policies, laws, rules, regulations, procedures vis-à-vis trade and investment promotion – Broad functions of economic wing of an embassy Trade and investment promotion Specific trade and investment promotion activities: both inward and outward promotion – Broad functions of commercial wing of an embassy

Methods of Engagements Two broad methods: Extensive approach: creating a broad catchment through publicity, seminars, meetings, etc. Intensive approach: sustained cultivation of targets In practice, there has to be calibration between these two approaches – the first method is about creating new markets; the second one is about deepening and broadening markets

Steps for Engagements Environment Potential Agencies Priorities Craft skills

Information Sharing with Home Base Data on projected economic growth rates and trade and investment opportunities in host country Sharing of market studies Contacts and portfolios of prospective traders and investors Relevant policies, laws, rules, regulations and procedures in host country

Some Final Thoughts Engagements with non-governmental organisations and media Engagements with home agencies: whole-of-government approach Engagements with other sections of an embassy

Thank You