strengthening the role of the private sector and entrepreneurship in financing for development and examines the key requirements for improving the overall business environment in developing countries. It focuses on six main criteria in that regard: appropriate and enforceable regulations; labour and related standards; access to finance; infrastructure; accurate timely information, and macroeconomic stability.

The report also highlights measures that can create healthy firms and strengthen entrepreneurship in local economies, particularly creating conditions that promote skills training and learning. It stresses that entrepreneurship is responsible for much of the competition and innovation in the business world and is also held as central to nations trying to attain competitiveness in international markets. "Innovation" in the financing for development arena is defined in a broad sense, and includes the introduction ofnew goods and services, the development of new marketing strategies, the opening up of new markets and the creation of new industries in a given sector. Entrepreneurs are generally divided into "necessity entrepreneurs", who try to start up a business because they have no jobs, and "opportunity entrepreneurs", who fulfil traditional entrepreneurship roles.

As for pursuing opportunities for entrepreneurship in developing and least developed countries, the report suggests the strengthening of global public-private partnerships, boosting private sector networks, linking smaller business to help facilitate the transfer of technology and information, and targeting the poorest consumers, who are generally eager to purchase quality goods and services, in new and innovative ways.

Statements

General Assembly President JEAN PING (Gabon) said that the Assembly had gathered for the second High-level Dialogue on Financing for