A Commercial Client - Position paper on liberalization of the wheat market in Vietnam - 2011

Project Description:

Completed a report containing an economic analysis to argue the need of complete tariff liberalization of  the wheat market in Vietnam. The study argued that reducing the import duty in 2011 was a first best policy choice than waiting until 2016. The study viewed both negative and positive effects of a duty reduction, and the particular circumstances of 2011 that made it attractive.

World Bank (Transaction Centre III) - The Third Rural Finance Project – Mid term Socio-economic Impact Assessment Review - 2011

Project Description:

The Development Objective of the Third Rural Finance Project (RF) was to increase economic benefits for rural private enterprises and households by improving their access to finance. The expected outcomes included:

(i) improved access to financial services for rural entrepreneurs

(ii) increased capital investment made by the rural entrepreneurs as well as increased employment

(iii) increased lending, particularly term lending to the rural private sector for capital investment by all participating financial institutions (PFIs) on market-based terms.

Mekong Economics accomplished the following work:

(i) On-desk reviewing secondary data and materials provided by PMU and PFIs

(ii) Conducting a survey of more than 500 end-borrowers to assess project socio-economic impact on end borrowers

(iii) Conducting in-depth interviews with more than 50 individuals representing the PFIs and other related agencies

(iv) Processing collected data, preparing and finalizing required report (draft and final report).

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) - Short – Term Consultant for The Round Table Process (RTP) - 2011

Project Description:

The Round Table Process (RTP) was the national mechanism to promote constructive dialogue and cooperation between the Government and development partners for the achievement of national development goals including the MDGs and LDC graduation. To assist donors and Lao Government for the Annual Round Table Implementation Meeting in November 2011, MKE had:

• Provided an update and overview of Lao PDR’s key macro-economic and social development indicators, as well as challenges and outlook.

• Provided a brief overview and description of the 7th NSEDP 2011-215 recently formulated under the leadership of MPI, as well as examined updates in the development of social development factors in the context of the MDGs and progress towards targets set for 2015

• Took a look at the financing side for achieving the MDGs

• Provided an analysis of the enabling environment, including an update on the business environment, and a review and analysis of the target of LDC graduation for Lao PDR by 2020.

Large Commercial Bank - The procurement process of power transmission and distribution facilities' equipments, for market entry & marketing strategy - 2010

Project Description:

Conducted a market entry study for the power transmission and distribution facility equipment market, with details on understanding Market Structure; Customers and their needs’ and Competitors including Sales Strategy of Competitors; Sales Performance of Competitors and Effective Route for Marketing.

IFAD - Evaluation of agro-forestry product manufacturing, processing and product market in Bac Kan province - 2010

Project Description:

Evaluated the current agro-forestry production and processing market within Bac Kan Province in relation to domestic and foreign markets, and the competitive capacity of existing agro-forestry products in Bac Kan Province. Provided recommendations of strategic solutions and approach methodology to support planning, implementation, transformation, and management, as well as create sustainable and effective use of APIF fund.

DANIDA - Assessment of Technical Assistance Needs for the Strategic Plan of Agriculture Sector in the Provinces of Dien Bien and Lao Cai - 2010

Project Description:

Provided consultancy and facilitation services to identify agencies and individuals which should be consulted in the development of a five year agriculture and rural development sector plan 2011-2015, for Dien Bien province in Vietnam. MKE had:

• Worked closely with the provincial planning task force members to identify relevant sources of information.

• Prepare field mission work plan and activity plans/agendas

• Facilitate and run data collection and consultation activities

• Prepare sector planning document and conduct field missions in each province.

UNOPS - Impact Assessment for Project Access Improvement to Markets - 2009

Project Description:

Conducted the socio–economic impact evaluation of the construction of 5 bridges under the programme for access Improvement to Markets in the Eastern Region of East Timor Leste (AIM). The evaluation included the assessment of the socio-cultural perception of the program by the local population for its sustainability, the technical appropriateness to local needs and capacities, and assessment of behavioural changes to strengthen the social partner and social dialogue and to the reduction of poverty.

ADB & DFID - Vietnam ADB/DFID funded Making Markets Work for the Poor, Phase II - 2009

Project Description:

Provided technical assistance to ADB and other agency project and programme design activities by building and mobilizing networks around the market development agenda. Developed and assisted the Ministry of Finance in:

(i) executing a clear dissemination strategy to communicate results and lessons arising from projects to key business audiences throughout Vietnam;

(ii) administering VMPCF grants to grantees;

(iii) establishing and maintaining financial management, accounting and reporting systems for disbursement of grants;

(iv) establishing and implementing an M&E system on the impact of funded projects.

DFID - ODI Research Project: Measuring the Economic Benefits of Competition - 2009

Project Description:

Assignments were carried out in five countries (Kenya, Zambia, Ghana, Vietnam and Pakistan) and four markets (sugar, beer, cement and mobile phones) were chosen as the focus of analysis. In 2009 these four markets were analysed in each country.

For each country, the analysis looked at: the policy context and business environment, the degree of competition in the market, market outcomes. The team collected the necessary data and information on each market, interviews key consultative people and undertook economic analysis and drafts the country report.

DANIDA (Copenhagen) - Thematic Study: Case studies in Laos and Vietnam - 2009

Project Description:

Conducted case studies on Laos and Vietnam which involved detailed investigations on donor aid allocation and disbursement in order to determine the sourcing of goods and services and the externalities on the local and regional markets, including trade effects as well as cost-effectiveness.