ABSTRACT
I agree with both these propositions. Moreover, I would say that both propositions command increasing support in the developing world and from the donor organizations that provide advice and finance for development. Nevertheless, there remains skepticism and resistance and it seems useful to reflect why this is so. I would identify three factors that make it difficult to convince skeptics of the relevance of the region-centric approach for developing countries:
1 Ideological factors: the case for a regional development approach includes an argument for government intervention that goes beyond reforming the framework conditions for private enterprise. It assumes that government agencies are willing and capable of coordinating, mediating conflict, and constructing a common interest with private enterprises.
