| Asian Expert Forum Report |
|
|
| Written by Ayesha Zainudeen | |||||
| Monday, 11 October 2004 | |||||
Page 3 of 3 Day two began with discussions on the methodology used to asses the telecom regulatory environment, set out in Samarajiva & Dokeniya (2004). Participants broke up into groups to discuss collecting comparable investment data and regulatory environment measures. The general consensus was that a greater focus on the demand-side of investment was needed. Groups also discussed how the TRE measure could be further enhanced, through wider sources and kinds of data, different methods, etc. The possibility of constructing a ‘Regulatory Confidence Index’, akin to Sri Lanka’s Business Confidence Index was discussed. Comparability of data between countries through standardization was also discussed.
The Strategic Planning workshop on 19 September was dedicated to defining LIRNEasia’s future directions and priorities. Drawing on the discussions and concerns highlighted at the Expert Forum, and the invaluable expertise and experience of the participants, discussion focused on what LIRNEasia’s role and focus should be, ways to go about developing the organization and future projects. The workshop was also instrumental in building relationships with an extensive network of regional partners for LIRNEasia to work with in future. Given that reliable data is a hard thing to come by in many developing countries, it was decided that quantitative data should be supplemented with qualitative as far as possible and LIRNEasia’s personal networks could provide a crucial tool to accessing data. The participants did not leave Colombo without squeezing in a little sight-seeing, wining and dining and possibly even some shopping. An excursion to Kelani Raja Maha Viharaya, an ancient Buddhist temple at Kelaniya was enjoyed by some, followed by dinner at one of four highly recommended restaurants. Most participants took the opportunity to visit the famous Beach Wadiya, a seafood shrine and haunt of many of Colombo’s visitors. |
|||||
