[{"bbox": [86, 153, 399, 183], "category": "Section-header", "text": "3.5 The Intervention Logic"}, {"bbox": [97, 200, 787, 227], "category": "Text", "text": "The overall aim of the action is to foster economic growth and job creation."}, {"bbox": [97, 245, 1160, 358], "category": "Text", "text": "If the local MSMEs are more trade competitive and produce more efficiently (Outcome 1), if the national quality system ensures that the goods produced in the country correspond to the national and international requirements and standards (Outcome 2), and if the business environment is conducive for domestic and foreign investments (Outcome 3), then we expect to have an increase of exports, economic growth and jobs."}, {"bbox": [97, 376, 1160, 632], "category": "Text", "text": "If non-financial BDS providers are supported to improve their services to MSMEs, if national authorities ensure high quality of BDS services then local businesses in Sierra Leone will have better access to high quality non-financial BDS (Output 1.1). In addition, if entrepreneurs and MSMSs are supported to develop their skills and products as well as to prepare bankable projects, then they will be able to raise funds from local and international financial institutions to scale up their businesses (Output 1.2). Because BDS providers provide high quality services to MSMEs and companies at different stages of development and have been supported to scale up their businesses then, overall competitiveness of local MSMEs would be strengthened (Outcome 1). The main assumption is that national authorities will continue building their institutional capacities as well as putting in place policies aiming at supporting local MSMEs and entrepreneurs."}, {"bbox": [97, 650, 1160, 906], "category": "Text", "text": "If the national authorities in charge of testing, inspection and certifications are supported to improve their institutional capacities (human resources and laboratory equipment) with respect to international and EU standards (Output 2,1), then the quality and safety of imported and exported products would be ensured. If there are reliable testing and certification services available, then companies would reduce their costs, add-value to their products and have better access to regional and international markets (Output 2.2). Because, national quality system and conformity of economic operators with international and European standards is improved, then the effectiveness of National Quality System will be enhanced (Outcome 2). The main assumption is that the national authorities will continue to improve their capacities with respect to international quality standards as well as to implement the necessary reform in order to improve their services to the private sector and to generate their own revenues."}, {"bbox": [97, 925, 1160, 1207], "category": "Text", "text": "In order to ensure level playing field, reduce the red tape for businesses, streamline the investment procedure and have efficient dispute settlement mechanism, it is necessary to support national authorities to revise and implement laws and policies in the field of doing business (Outcome 3.1). Furthermore, If there are transparent investment procedure, equal access to information to all investors and promotion of Sierra Leone as an attractive destination for doing business, then Foreign Direct Investments to Sierra Leone, especially from business complaint companies from the EU, are expected to increase (Output 3.2). The main assumption is that the national authorities will continue their efforts to facilitate the foreign direct investments through the establishment of more transparent investment procedures and single point of contact (one-stop-shop for foreign investors). The second assumption is that the regular dialogues with the EU companies as well as with national authorities (NRA and NIB) will continue and would be even more inclusive in the future."}, {"bbox": [1016, 1680, 1144, 1706], "category": "Page-footer", "text": "Page 13 of 24"}]