In this HT chain, and elsewhere, comments refer to... --- ...the use of economic 'experts' in promotion work.....Let me set out some personal observations that relate to this major issue.....1. It is an illusion that 'experts' give real help in promotion work. Why? An investor, foreign or domestic, is spending money. They will always seek the best, impartial advice before they invest. They will NOT go by the technical or tax law or other detailed investment guidance that the 'expert' from the receiving country provides....2. So what is the job of the 'promoter'? Based on 20 years of hands-on experience, it is to get the investor to give real attention to your country. That is a task of politico-economic promotion, not mastery over tax laws or other investment conditions.....3. More than anyone else, it is the Amb that enjoys access to top management, not an economic counselor or an adviser from the home country's investment board....4. It is the generalist-political diplomat that understands connections between different issues, and reaches out to business and to political leaders. Both need to be cultivated.....5. Finally, too many politically appointed Amb are too lazy, or disinterested to engage in real economic promotion work. As one colleague said, Africa still resorts to too many of them. And, sadly, it pays the price!....Apologies for blunt comments.

Source author: Kishan S Rana kishanrana@gmail.com