A Practical Assessment of the Investment and Business Climates in Key Refugee Host States

This research project will promote a better understanding of the business and regulatory environment in the principal refugee host states (Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey and Iraq), with the broader goal of facilitating investment and developing, establishing finance and communicating policy recommendations for the relevant authorities. The studies will produce reference notes to outline the relevant information needed to establish a business and or invest in each of the principal host states.

A set of reports will be produced to outline how the regulatory framework is being applied and experienced in the case of both local and Syrian entrepreneurs in the target markets. It will highlight discrepancies in the regulatory framework as well as areas where exceptions are made and there is flexibility. These reports will provide estimates regarding the time required to complete certain steps when investing or starting a business.

For each target environment, a white paper will be produced containing policy recommendations to resolve key bottlenecks, implement a business‐conducive regulatory framework and promote investment.

The main stakeholders for this project are existing and potential investors, entrepreneurs in target markets, refugee workers, policy‐makers, and the international development community.

Activities

• ‘How to’ Guide for Investors and Entrepreneurs including:
  • Who is eligible to invest and/or establish a business
  • Documentation required
  • Financial requirements
  • Registration procedures
  • Licensing and acquisition of permits
  • Security approvals
  • Overview of labour law, particularly as it relates to the employment of foreign workers
  • Ownership requirements 
  • Rules pertaining to special economic zones
  • Quick links and useful in‐country contact information 
• Report on the Investment and Business Development Environment
• Policy White Paper