Risky Winds: Investing in Wind Energy Projects in Pakistan
Investment in renewable energy sectors in many developing countries has grown significantly in the last decade. Developing countries now seek to attract investment in the renewable energy sector. Foreign investment in developing countries hinges on factors such as security of investment, entry barriers, cost of doing business, repatriation of profits, dispute resolution, etc. This is where the role of the government and policy-makers becomes critical. Unless a sector-specific policy is adopted that is not only coherent and adaptable but also extends the right incentives, foreign investors will remain reluctant to invest in the renewable energy sector even if a huge investment potential exists. This article highlights Pakistan as a case study to examine law and policy issues pertaining to investment and transaction costs associated with investing in a developing country that possesses significant wind energy potential.
Foreign Direct Investment in Pakistan: Policy Issues and Operational Implications
Given its fragile balance of payments position and urgent need to boost industrial production, Pakistan needs to significantly increase its mobilization of foreign resources. However, long-term official assistance will become increasingly scarce, while promoting large portfolio investments is not a proper market policy option due to Pakistan's underdevloped and narrow capital market. Significant increases in commercial borrowings are also not desirable. It is therefore crucial to accord high priority to foreign direct investment (FDI).
An assessment of the Impact of Devolution on Women Empowerment in Nakuru County
-Women have been grossly marginalized in organs of decision-making and governance structures. The Constitution of Kenya has sought to bridge this gap by providing both women and men the right to equal treatment, including the right to equal opportunities in political, economic, cultural and social spheres. However, gender equality has not been achieved and women are still lagging in terms of decision making processes. The main objective of the study was to detemine the impact of devolution on women empowerment in Nakuru County. The study found that substantive women representation, development of programs and accessibility of services had a positive effect on the women empowerment in Nakuru County. The study also found out that increased accessibility of Services by women influenced women empowerment, this study also concludes that the introduction of development programs had the greatest impact on women empowerment in Nakuru County. The study recommends that more programs targeting women should be introduced as these have the greatest impact on women empowerment. The findings may be used to make conclusions and recommendations.