A lot of agencies and organizations are "talking" about integrating the Private Sector into their economic development programs. It seemed that it is still in an infancy stage. It has not reached a critical mass to contribute significantly to improve economic development in LDCs and post-conflict environment.
I just came back from visiting UN Development Programme (UNDP) in New York and US Agency for International Development (USAID) in Washington DC. I went there to find out more about their efforts in Private Sector Development in least developed countries (LDCs) and in post-conflict environments. It seemed that a lot of people are "talking" about Private Sector Development and integrating it into their development strategies. However, there are only a limited number of successful case studies to point out at this moment. If we are to make a significant dent in reducing poverty and elevating some of these LDCs' economies, this effort of Private Sector Development and its successes would have to be more than just a handful.
However, I'm encouraged that UNDP and USAID are at least "talking" about it. Hopefully one day their efforts will create critical mass necessary to make significant impact in reducing poverty and increasing prosperity.
I'm currently searching and collecting case studies of successful private sector development efforts in Asia-Pacific Region that are in post-conflict environment or currently unstable security situation. Please let me know if you know of one.