“It is essential to craft a new and dynamic approach to economic development that reflects the realities of a 21st century global economy and incorporates the participation of a wide variety of new players, particularly those from the private sector.”
Robert A. Mosbacher, Jr. sees collaboration between business and the government as the best way to create sustainable economic growth and reduce poverty in developing countries. He actively promotes this vision as a member of IGD’s Leadership Council and Frontier 100 network and IGD is pleased to announce that he was elected Board Chair in March. Mr. Mosbacher contributes a unique combination of public sector and business experience, having served as President & CEO of both the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) (2005-2009) and Mosbacher Energy Company (1986-2005).
Robert A. Mosbacher, Jr. speaks at the 2010 Frontier 100 Forum in New York.
Through Frontier 100, Mr. Mosbacher works with business leaders from Africa, South Asia and the United States to promote investment in Africa. He draws on his experience at OPIC to inform executives about opportunities to invest in projects supported by the U.S. government and encourages business participation in public-private partnerships. He is particularly involved with the Frontier 100 infrastructure and agriculture interest groups.
Given his government and business experience, Mr. Mosbacher feels strongly that a new model is needed to leverage business growth and investment for development. He has been working with IGD to reform U.S. foreign assistance programs to better measure impact, target resources to what works, leverage the contributions of the private sector and strengthen poor countries so they can meet the needs of their own people. The ultimate goal of U.S. development policy should be to transition countries from a relationship based on aid to a partnership based on trade and investment.
Mr. Mosbacher has stated that: “I see so much good activity so uncoordinated, so poorly communicated among ourselves about what all we’re doing that as a consequence we rarely leverage what the private sector is doing with what the public sector is trying to do.” Through IGD he is working with both government and business to overcome the gaps between them and make great and lasting change in the world.
