Koios Associates has carried out over 100 assignments in more than 50 countries in nearly all regions of the world. Representative projects include:
Africa
Sudan Livestock investment 2019-2022
Koios Associates, in partnership with Landell Mills (UK), IOS Partners (US), and ProAnd Associates (Australia), is undertaking an IFAD-funded project to attract private participation in livestock value chains via public private partnerships. Investments currently under evaluation include: 1) cold storage for chilled meat exports; 2) animal vaccine production and distribution; 3) live animal export quarantine; and 4) special economic zone for the livestock sector.
Africa (regional) Situational Analysis of Special Economic Zones (SEZs), Policies and Regimes in Africa and Implications for the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) 2019
Provision of analytical support and policy recommendations to AU Member States in negotiations to conclude a Protocol on Rules of Origin as part of the AfCFTA negotiations. Review of effectiveness of SEZs in Africa and lessons learned from experience. Review of existing rules of origin for goods produced in SEZs in African regional economic communities. Review of treatment of SEZs in other free trade areas (e.g., EU, NAFTA) and under WTO rules and provision of recommendations for AfCFTA policies and regulations.
Democratic republic of Congo Evaluation of Business Environment Reform Program 2017-2018
Charles Krakoff, under contract to UK DFID, served as Team Leader of a mid-term evaluation and annual performance review of a 5-year, £35m business environment reform program focused on reducing constraints for coffee farmers and traders in Eastern DRC, increasing access to finance, development of solar mini-grids to increase access to electricity, implementation of OHADA law, reducing multiplicity of taxes at local government level, and developing a digitized one-stop shop for business registration.
Lesotho investment policy 2020-2021; restructuring of Lesotho national Development corporation (LNDC) 2016-2017
Koios Associates, in partnership with Linpico (France), undertook a World Bank funded strategic refocusing and restructuring of Lesotho’s principal development agency, tasked with investment and trade promotion, development and provision of industrial land and buildings, and development finance. Subsequently, Koios Managing Partner Charles Krakoff was contracted under the African Development Bank’s Economic Diversification and Support Project to prepare a new national investment policy to help the country diversify its economy, increase domestic value addition, and integrate small and medium businesses into the supply chains of large foreign investors.
rwanda financing of export value chains 2016
With funding from UK DFID, Charles Krakoff prepared a strategy for creation of a $50m Export Growth Facility to be coordinated by the Ministry of Trade and Industry and implemented by the Rwanda Development Bank (BRD) in coordination with commercial banks. Assignment entailed: 1) an evaluation of the unmet demand for export finance and its importance in the overall context of export development; 2) assessment of the roles and capacities of major stakeholders, including the Ministry, BRD, Rwanda Development Board, National Agricultural Export Board, Private Sector Foundation, Business Development Fund, and selected partner commercial banks; 3) evaluation of capacity of these institutions to coordinate/implement/support the EGF; 4) assessment of the design and product mix envisaged for the EGF; 5) identification of other mechanisms, including the Special Economic Zone and investment incentives, to expand and increase participation in export value chains; 6) provision of strategic guidance to DFID on whether and in what form (financial contributions, technical assistance) it should consider supporting the facility.
Tanzania industrial parks 2015-2018
Koios Associates was contracted by the Gatsby Charitable Foundation to conduct a feasibility study for a Special Economic Zone for the textile and apparel industry in Tanzania. With 2 local firms as subcontractors, we evaluated several potential sites and selected a 40-hectare site in the Kibaha industrial area about 25 km west of Dar es Salaam, conducted a demand assessment, prepared a conceptual master plan and environmental scoping, and prepared cost estimates, a revenue model, financial projections, and financing plan. Subsequently, Charles Krakoff, under contract to TradeMark East Africa, a multi donor facility, prepared a feasibility study and site selection for an industrial park and culinary incubator for women-owned food processing companies in Dar es Salaam.
Gabon organizational development and Capacity Building for Investment Promotion Agency 2016
Koios Associates, in partnership with Linpico (France) prepared a business plan for a new agency formed from the merger of 4 agencies responsible, respectively, for investment promotion, export promotion, SME development, and company registration.
benin Competitiveness of agro-industrial value chains and exports 2014
As part of the World Bank’s work on Cross-border Competitiveness Platforms along the Benin-Nigeria Border, Charles Krakoff undertook an assessment of the existing Free Zone regime in Benin, the opportunities presented by Benin’s port infrastructure and proximity to the huge Nigerian market, evaluated the potential of SEZs to contribute to development of agriculture/agro-industrial and tourism value chains in Benin, and presented recommendations on repurposing the existing Sèmè-Podji zone on the Nigerian border in ways that could facilitate freer legitimate entry of goods from Benin into Nigeria and benefit producers even in the context of the non-eligibility of goods originating in free zones for country of origin designation.
Côte d’Ivoire Industrial development & value chain competitiveness assessment 2013-2014
Koios Associates, in partnership with IOS Partners (USA) and RMDA (France), on behalf of the national export promotion agency APEX-CI, Carried out a comparative assessment of the competitiveness of Ivoirian enterprises relative to those in other West African countries as well as globally, considering production costs and productivity, prices, infrastructure, education, technology, and market access, and identifying policy and regulatory reforms and public investments needed to achieve and maintain competitiveness. Main sectors included cocoa, rubber, palm oil, cashew, mining, and textiles. Concurrently, Charles Krakoff, advised the Ministry of Investment on industrial park expansion and special economic zones development In the context of a critical lack of serviced industrial land to support post-crisis investment and industrial development. He prepared a plan for rapid restructuring and development of portions of the main Youpogon Industrial Zone in Abidjan, while also assessing sites and recommending strategies for development of new industrial areas, both in Abidjan and farther afield, including a site development assessment for what is now the PK24 Industrial Zone and a site expansion assessment for the VITIB Technology Zone. Advised on legal and regulatory changes needed to make existing and new zones successful.
Burkina Faso Agro-industrial investment 2013
In partnership with IOS Partners (USA) and with funding from the World Bank, Koios Associates provided investment support to the first phase of the Bagré Growth Pole, an integrated agriculture, livestock, fish farming, and feed milling development in Southeastern Burkina Faso consisting of 20,000 hectares of irrigated farmland with World Bank-funded irrigation canals, roads and utilities networks. Prepared an investment profile and detailed request for proposals and evaluation criteria for 10,000 hectares reserved for large-scale investors, and provided subsequent assistance in evaluating proposals and in structuring of investment agreements amounting in aggregate to about $15m.
chad diagnostic trade integration study (dtis) 2013
Charles Krakoff was contracted by UNDP to serve as Trade, Investment, and Business Environment Expert to prepare the chapter of the DTIS focused on the private export-oriented sector, incorporating: 1) Current and projected future production and investment levels in the agro-industrial, industrial and commercial sectors as well as profitability, level of technology and efficiency, and long-term prognosis for firms in these sectors. 2) Effectiveness of government promotion strategies and incentives policies and of support provided by private sector organizations. 3) Effectiveness of investment promotion institutions and strategies. 4) The role of the Presidency in investment and trade promotion, governance of public procurement, criteria for selecting investments, progress towards ratification of a new investment code, and regional (CEMAC) policies on investment and trade. 5) The role of new trade partners (China, India, other emerging economies) and of technical and financial partners in Chad. 6) The role of the National Investment and Export Agency, the Chamber of Commerce, and other bodies in promoting inward FDI. 7)Ability of the financial sector to meet the financing needs of enterprises, especially in export-oriented sectors.
togo National SEZ Strategy and Creation of New SEZ/Investment Promotion Agency 2013
Working for the Presidency of Togo with funding from the World Bank, Charles Krakoff acted as advisor on strategic repositioning of Togo’s free zone program and its transformation into a special economic zones program and establishment of a new agency to promote investment and to manage the new SEZ program. This included organizational organizational design and drafting guidance for new SEZ and investment promotion legislation and regulations.
Rwanda National Export Strategy 2011
Prepared a Roadmap for implementation of the National Export Strategy, conducting sector analysis of tea, coffee, horticulture, crafts, and mining sectors, identifying obstacles to successful increases in production, exports, and FDI, and preparing detailed action plans for public and private sector bodies to improve performance.
cameroon national private sector development strategy 2008
Koios Associates, in partnership with IOS Partners (USA) undertook a World Bank project supporting the Ministry of Economy and Planning to develop a national private sector development strategy. The work included the identification and analysis of the competitiveness of key sectors of the economy, especially minerals and agriculture, and of the regulatory, administrative, and infrastructure constraints facing investors. Identified options to increase private investment in infrastructure financing and management, via PPPs, create an enabling business environment and establish effective investment and trade promotion agencies. Led a workshop to present and discuss findings with key government and private sector stakeholders.
Asia-Pacific
Feasibility study for a regional export credit guarantee fund, 2019-2022
As part of a multi-firm consortium, assessed current and historical trade and investment flows in 18 developing member countries in the Caucasus and South, East, and Central Asia; evaluated each country’s economic complexity and potential for product and market diversification of exports; assessed the potential economic and social impacts of expansion of export credit and insurance in underserved markets.
indonesia bonded zones for beef/livestock value chain 2017-2018
In partnership with ProAnd Associates (Australia) and with funding from the Australian Government, Koios Associates provided economic, trade, and financial analysis on a feasibility assessment of a bonded zone for beef processing, based on importing live feeder cattle from Australia and fattening and processing in one or more bonded zones, principally for sale into the domestic Indonesian market. Examined trade flows with Asian trading partners, assessed duty exemptions and applicability of and restrictions on bonded zone, SEZ, and free zones regimes, and modelled cost competitiveness on domestic market relative to imports.
Papua New Guinea Special economic zones for energy and agro-processing sectors 2009-2010
Koios Associates, under contract to the PNG Ministry of Trade and Industry, mobilized a team of 6 experts to prepare a national strategy for development of special economic zones, evaluating four provinces previously designated as sites for free zones, identifying the best location or locations for future SEZs, and conducting a demand assessment and pre-feasibility study for the designated sites. Activities included Identification of high-potential sectors and industries, especially in energy and agri-food sectors; identification of sites where SEZs can best contribute to industrial and economic development; feasibility assessment of one selected site, recommendation of other strategies (not necessarily involving SEZs) to stimulate economic growth in selected underdeveloped regions; design of legal, regulatory, and institutional framework for SEZ development via PPPs, including one-stop approval procedures for zone developers and tenants; recommendations on other government policies and strategies to develop supporting policies and physical infrastructure essential for successful industrial development. Financial modeling and return/valuation calculations and economic impact assessment.
pakistan Development of Logistics Park Strategy and Feasibility Study 2008-2009
In partnership with IOS Partners (USA), Koios Associates prepared a strategy for establishment of logistics parks along the National Trade Corridor and identified a site and carried out a technical and financial feasibility study for a pilot facility near Lahore.
Cambodia SEZ Legal and Regulatory Framework 2007-2008
Working under contract to the World Bank Group, Charles Krakoff advised the Council for the Development of Cambodia, a Cabinet department, on development of special economic zones and provision of drafting guidance for a new SEZ law and regulations. Evaluated the investment climate in Cambodia, the demand for serviced industrial land, and the legal framework for the development and operation of special economic zones. Provided a detailed critique of existing laws and guidelines for drafting a new, comprehensive SEZ law to maximize private sector participation in zone development and management. Prepared a detailed set of policies and procedures for reviewing and approving (or rejecting) applications to establish SEZs.
Americas
jamaica Logistics Zone Development Strategy 2014
In the context of Jamaica’s Global Logistics Hub Initiative, occasioned by the opportunities presented by expansion of the Panama Canal, Charles Krakoff, working for the World Bank, carried out a two-pronged assessment of the performance of Jamaica’s existing Free Zones and of the critical factors in the success (or failure) of logistics-based SEZs, based on examples from successful and unsuccessful zones, both in and outside the region. The assessment evaluated the performance of Jamaica’s free zones in terms of job creation, investment attraction, and exports; assessed the legal, regulatory, and institutional framework for Jamaica’s free zones program in the light of good international practices; evaluated Jamaica’s ability to compete against similar developments in other Central America/Caribbean countries; and provided recommendations for future development of logistics-based SEZs in Jamaica, together with recommendations on the appropriate legal, regulatory, and institutional framework.
haiti Private Free Industrial/Agro-Industrial Zone Pre-Feasibility Study and Sector Assessment 2011
Koios Associates was contracted by WINS Group, a private port operator and diversified industrial group, to conducted a demand assessment and pre-feasibility study for a proposed 60-hectare free industrial zone in Haiti, to be developed by a Haitian-Dominican consortium and intended to facilitate cross-border trade between the two countries. Evaluated industries and sectors with respect to their potential to locate in the proposed park: BPO/shared services, call centers, electronics assembly, footwear and leather,agro-processing, and transport and logistics. Created detailed demand forecast over 20 years, including breakdown of investments by industry, projected employment, space requirements. Prepared capital cost estimates for construction of the park, operating and maintenance costs, and revenue estimates for rentals and service charges. Drafted a business plan/information memorandum for presentation to potential investors.
haiti feasibility study for caracol industrial SEZ 2010-2011
Under contract to the Inter-American Development Bank, Koios Associates assembled a team of 5 experts to carry out a site selection for an industrial park and a feasibility study focusing on Haiti’s investment and business environment and the current and potential competitiveness of the garment and textile industries in Haiti in the context of trade preferences, international trade flows and investment patterns. Prepared conceptual master plan and developed cost estimates and detailed financial and economic projections and social and environmental impact assessments. Organized and led stakeholder workshops at all levels of government and civil society. Carried out an environmental and social impact assessment of the project and participated in discussions and negotiations with potential anchor investors in the zone.
Europe
Serbia - Agriculture/Agribusiness Value Chain Support Strategy 2017-2018
Conducted a competitive assessment of Serbia’s fruit and vegetable production and processing value chains and prepared a strategy and action plan for public sector support, including innovation policy, development of commercially-oriented food technology research, fiscal incentives to producers and processors, and export and investment promotion strategies.
poland - training in investment promotion and economic zones development for Warmia-Mazury region 2015
Provided training on best practices in investment and trade promotion and economic zones development and management to representatives of regional investment and export support centers and special economic zones regulatory and management agencies from 16 regions.
macedonia - State Aid and Investment Incentives Policy 2013
Provided guidance and advice into the design of a monitoring and audit system for aid incentives, in compliance with the Law on Technological Industrial Development Zones, the Law on Control of State Aid, and EU regulation. Reviewed and provided advice to InvestMacedonia on the current system of state aid incentives to FDI. Prepared and delivered training on effective incentive systems. Prepared a comparative review of effective incentive systems for FDI attraction used in countries in and beyond the European Union.
kosovo - Industrial Policy Formulation and Capacity Building 2013
Provided support to the Ministry of Trade and Industry to identify best practices in industrial policy and industrial development strategy and prepared a plan to strengthen the capacities of the Division of Industrial Policy (DIP) and to provide practical orientation in value chain competitiveness assessment and its translation into industrial development policy.
Georgia - value chain competitiveness assessment 2007-2008
As part of a prefeasibility study for a 400-ha special economic zone adjacent to the Black Sea port of Poti, evaluated actual and potential competitiveness of a key industries and sectors, principally agribusiness (dairy and horticulture), furniture/wood products, and mining and oil service and supply. Conducted a market demand assessment, developed detailed demand projections, and carried out a detailed financial and economic impact analysis.
Middle East/North Africa
kurdistan Autonomous region of iraq - strategic refocusing of investment promotion agency 2021
Reviewed current mission, structure, functions, and capacities of Kurdistan Region Board of Investment. Prepared a strategic plan for transforming the BOI from a body focused on control and regulation of investment through universal licensing requirements into an agency dedicated to promotion and facilitation of both foreign and domestic investment and diversification of investment from hydrocarbons and property development into higher value-added activities including manufacturing and agro-industry.
tunisia - Investment Promotion Targeting Plan 2015-2016
Working with the national investment promotion agency, FIPA: 1) Identified principal opportunities to attract FDI, with a principal focus on the automotive, aerospace, agribusiness, and energy sectors; 2) Identified major impediments to FDI, which need to be addressed s to improve the attractiveness of target sectors to foreign investors; 3) Undertook a concise analysis of targeted FDI promotion measures, which could help attract FDI in the target sectors/sub-sectors; 5) Reviewed potential FDI linkages with foreign firms already in Tunisia and potential external linkages with other foreign investors.
kuwait - feasibility study for energy-focused scientific-industrial park 2011-2012
Prepared a feasibility study for an energy-oriented special economic zone, the Kuwait Energy Gateway, focused on commercialization of energy technologies. Carried out market analysis and demand assessment; evaluated existing legal framework for Free Zones and investment and recommended appropriate governance structures for the proposed development; prepared estimates of capital investment and operating costs and revenues, and created a financial model for detailed financial and sensitivity analysis; gauged economic impact in terms of employment creation (direct and indirect), income creation, and impact on public finances.
Palestinian territory - Restructuring of Investment Promotion Agency and Economy Ministry 2010-2011
Supported the restructuring of the Palestinian Investment Promotion Authority and the Ministry of National Economy. The work included the development of a new mission, purpose, strategic plan, and organizational design for the IPA consistent with international best practices. Prepared a training and capacity building plan for IPA staff and implemented numerous workshops with staff as well as with external stakeholders, especially in the private sector. Substantial focus on the consumer protection and fraud prevention functions of the Ministry, with recommendations for refocusing and devolution of responsibility for financial fraud to other parts of Government.
egypt - reform of industrial licensing 2007-2009
Conducted an assessment of Egypt’s industrial licensing regime as administered by the Industrial Development Authority (IDA). Evaluated licensing requirements and procedures and compared them with international best practices in other countries. Proposed sweeping reforms based on transforming IDA from a regulatory into a facilitation agency and a coordinator and facilitator rather than an enforcer of licensing and other administrative procedures required of investors.
jordan - restructuring of national export promotion and sme development agency - 2007
Provided trade analysis, trade promotion, and organizational development expertise to JEDCO/Jordan Enterprise, a government-owned entity responsible for export promotion and SME development. Prepared a new strategy, organizational structure, operating plan, and training program for JEDCO. Evaluated current JEDCO activities and staff competencies, articulated a new strategy based on quantitative and qualitative trade analysis and the facilitation of market entry, marketing, management, and trade finance. Drafted job descriptions for more than 20 key positions in the new organization, drafted a one-year plan and budget of priority activities, prepared a training program, and delivered training in trade flow and market access analysis.