Enterprise Funds:
Evolving Models for Private Sector Development in Central and Eastern Europe
NSIAD-94-77: Published: Mar 9, 1994. Publicly Released: Apr 11, 1994.
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Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO reviewed the enterprise funds established to aid development in selected central and eastern European countries, focusing on the funds': (1) investment and program strategies and plans for sustainability; (2) overall performance; (3) management practices; and (4) oversight by U.S. government agencies.
GAO found that: (1) the four funds use a variety of investment approaches tailored to the economic condition of and business opportunities in each country; (2) the Polish and Hungarian funds can invest in businesses with some experience, while the Hungarian and Czech and Slovak funds mostly invest in start-up businesses; (3) all of the funds have or are developing small business loan programs in affiliation with local banks, and most of the funds grant larger loans directly; (4) the funds are seeking to become self-sustaining by attracting other investors and increasing their earnings, asset sales, and management fees; (5) the funds' investments have created jobs, increased nationals' business experience, and become an information resource for other investors; (6) the funds' strategies for asset disposal include sale to current owners and outside investors and sale to the general public through a stock exchange; (7) the funds' disbursement of technical assistance grants has varied, but most are planning to concentrate technical assistance on projects in which they have invested; (8) because of the countries' evolving economies, the funds have had such problems as inaccurate investee financial statements, inadequate investment agreements and audits, unethical business practices, and management and organizational problems; (9) the funds are exempt from most U.S. assistance oversight regulations; and (10) the funds and U.S. agencies are working to improve the funds' financial controls and oversight.
Dec 9, 2020
International Trade:
Observations On Whether Women's Rights and Economic Interests Are Protected or Promoted by U.S. Trade Preference ProgramsGAO-21-190: Published: Dec 9, 2020. Publicly Released: Dec 9, 2020.
Dec 2, 2020
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Foreign Assistance:
USAID Should Analyze Data on the Timeliness of ExpendituresGAO-21-51: Published: Dec 2, 2020. Publicly Released: Dec 2, 2020.
Nov 19, 2020
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Global Food Security:
Information on Spending and Types of Assistance Provided by the United States and Other DonorsGAO-21-47R: Published: Nov 19, 2020. Publicly Released: Nov 19, 2020.
Nov 9, 2020
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Human Trafficking:
Agencies Have Taken Steps to Strengthen International Anti-trafficking ProjectsGAO-21-53: Published: Nov 9, 2020. Publicly Released: Nov 9, 2020. -
Rule of Law Assistance:
State and USAID Could Improve Monitoring EffortsGAO-21-14: Published: Nov 9, 2020. Publicly Released: Nov 9, 2020.
Oct 27, 2020
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Forced Labor Imports:
DHS Increased Resources and Enforcement Efforts, but Needs to Improve Workforce Planning and MonitoringGAO-21-106: Published: Oct 27, 2020. Publicly Released: Oct 27, 2020.
Oct 2, 2020
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Combating Wildlife Trafficking:
Agencies Work to Address Human Rights Abuse Allegations in Overseas Conservation ProgramsGAO-21-139R: Published: Oct 2, 2020. Publicly Released: Oct 2, 2020.
Sep 22, 2020
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Cyber Diplomacy:
State Has Not Involved Relevant Federal Agencies in the Development of Its Plan to Establish the Cyberspace Security and Emerging Technologies BureauGAO-20-607R: Published: Sep 22, 2020. Publicly Released: Sep 22, 2020.
Sep 15, 2020
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Steel and Aluminum Tariffs:
Commerce Should Improve Its Exclusion Request Process and Economic Impact ReviewsGAO-20-517: Published: Sep 15, 2020. Publicly Released: Sep 15, 2020.
Sep 14, 2020
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Conflict Minerals:
Actions Needed to Assess Progress Addressing Armed Groups' Exploitation of MineralsGAO-20-595: Published: Sep 14, 2020. Publicly Released: Sep 14, 2020.
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