The U.S.-Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) seeks proposals that advocate for legal and regulatory reforms that support the priority areas of: 1) more efficient and more transparent business registration processes, 2) improved bankruptcy and insolvency laws and 3) more open government policies and procedures that promote greater transparency and economic growth. Proposals should also enhance the role private and non-governmental sectors play in influencing policy decisions and ensuring that laws, policies, regulations, and practices are transparent and responsive to the needs of business and labor. Advocacy campaigns can include, but are not limited too:
- Building the capacity of professional associations, trade unions, chambers of commerce, and other professional organizations on representing the needs of their membership and advocating with government;
- Mobilizing the business community around issues related to legal and regulatory reforms, economic policy, and transparency;
- Engaging with elected and appointed officials, formally and informally;
- Promoting accountability mechanisms for public economic institutions;
- Building coalitions and networks for advocacy on specific issues or for specific industries or sectors.
- Analyzing economic policy(ies) to determine impact on citizens and identify priority reform needs; or
- Creating and introducing sound economic policy concepts
Awards range from $500,000 to $2 million over 1-3 years. Applicants must notify MEPI by February 15, 2013 if they intend to submit a proposal and identify their priority area. This submission is for planning purposes only and does not represent a commitment. For more information, see the link below: