Background

At the conclusion of World War II, European and other economies were significantly behind the United States in terms of productivity of their business, agriculture, and government services.  As a result, the standard of living of the population needed to be improved rapidly to meet the expectations of the population.  The Marshall Plan was undertaken to meet this need.

Economic development missions were an important component of the original Marshall Plan program.  Over 24,000 industry leaders came to the U.S. on 5,000 training programs.  The objective was to increase the productivity of industry, agriculture, and government by exposing leaders to modern methods, practices, and procedures.  The result was an increase in national productivity of 4-5% in the participating countries.  The current CEI program is closely modeled after the original Marshall Plan technical assistance program and has the same objective.

How can the CEI program help?

Each CEI program is targeted at a specific industry or government activity.  As a result, high-level industry executives and government officials are able to see for themselves what works and what does not.  Best practices can be observed and discussed, not only with the U.S. host organizations, but among themselves.  Participants are then in a position to implement new ideas at home, often without expensive investment.

 A CEI program is an alternative to sending highly paid consultants to the developing country. They:

  •  Are more economical

  • Do not require in-country training of the consultants

  • Offer a variety of solutions in a variety of locations – both large and small government agencies and states, businesses, farms, etc.

  • Provide greater exposure to solutions and greater understanding than can be offered by a single consultant visiting the developing country.

Economic Development Mission Program Briefs

CEI has conducted economic development missions for many industries.  Possible areas for future missions include:

  • Agriculture

  • Aquaculture

  • Architectural Design

  • Bakery

  • Banking / Financial Monitoring

  • Banking Operations

  • Construction – General

  • Construction - Roads

  • Exporting

  • Food Processing

  • Garments

  • Health Care Administration

  • Import/Export Regulations

  • Improving the Investment Climate

  • Information Technology

  • Land Registration

  • Light Manufacturing

  • Public Health - HIV/AIDS

  • Rule of Law

  • Tourism (Domestic and International)

  • Water Infrastructure

How does the CEI program work? 

There are 4 phases to a CEI economic development mission:

  1. Industry selection and program start-up

  2. Participant selection and preparation

  3. Economic development mission

  4. Post-program follow-up

These phases are described in more detail on the program brief entitled “How an Economic Development Mission Works”.

Where will a group travel?

Programs visit U.S. enterprises in their own field of activity, within industry, agriculture, or government.  These enterprises will often be located in the Midwestern states.  Visits to Eastern and Southern states are made wherever appropriate. 

Expected Benefits

Programs are designed to expose participants to new and modern ideas and technology.  In some cases, participants on missions from Ukraine have reported a benefit to cost ratio of 18:1 in a single year.  Substantial benefits are expected for all future missions. 

Why Participate in a CEI Economic Development Mission

“A CEI economic development missions is a life-changing experience.”

The following are some of the benefits of participation.

  1.  “Know your customer.”  By meeting U.S. industry representatives and ordinary citizens, you will be able to learn more about selling your goods and services to an American audience.  This will include the requirements and standards.  This experience will help you to build a strong and healthy relationship.

  2. Many of the companies visited in the U.S. will have offices in countries throughout the world.  Visiting the U.S. companies can open doors in these other offices in Western Europe and elsewhere.

  3. You will have discussions with U.S. executives in your same industry and then meet as a group to review these discussions.

  4. You will visit approximately 20 industry-related organizations in the U.S.  Access to many of these organizations is very difficult, if not impossible, to arrange except through a program of this type.  Although there will not be time during the tour for individual business discussions, contacts will be made which can be followed-up after returning home.

  5. Participants from production enterprises will be able to observe new production techniques which can increase productivity and decrease costs.

  6. The group will hold daily discussions.  This is an opportunity for high-level decision makers to exchange ideas and possibly proposals.

  7. You will be able to see new products and services which may open opportunities at home.  New products and services can open new employment opportunities.

  8. You will see more clearly industry trends and changes, thus helping you to make decisions regarding the future direction of your organization.  You will have a look into the future.

  9. You will be able to visit and see trade associations and learn valuable lessons about their services and operation that can be useful at home.

  10. You will be able to see the latest marketing techniques used in the U.S.

 

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