The Service 

Identifying the gap and opportunity for BIS, GTZ has developed a support package to set-up networks of Business Information Service (BIS)-Centers according to set standards in Asia.

A BIS-network in a selected country consists of BIS-Centers in different locations. It covers value chains with potential for economic growth, e.g. agriculture, agro-based industries, etc. (e.g. the BIS network in Sri Lanka). In a process of steps, each BIS-Center is integrated in an already existing, forward-looking private provider of Business Services with a wide base of business clients. Such providers are local chambers, banks, business centers or similar private establishments.

Each BIS-Center is designed to suit the specific local economic profile and unique in catering to the demand for information from its particular clients. For example, BIS-Centers in rural farming areas provide information on markets or services related to agricultural production; whereas BIS-Centers in more industrialized areas rather offer information on engineering technology or business contacts related to industries.

The common core business of all BIS-Centers is to buy, add value, and provide business related information at a price to their clients.

All BIS-Centers are linked via ICT and share one common national-level information platform. This platform is hosted at a national level business organization and linked to the global information network. By sharing information among all these specialized BIS-Centers, end-clients can find new business opportunities beyond narrow, local markets. For example, producers in remote rural areas can find alternative, global buyers or corporate investors can identify business opportunities in fast growing, competitive value chains.

The GTZ-support package provides guidance in planning, implementation and performance measurement of BIS-networks. It consists of three main components:

• Up-grading ICT-infrastructure and networking of BIS-Centers, e.g. enhancing connectivity, setting-up data bases, document management systems, etc.
• Specialized consultancies in planning, implementation and BIS-performance measurement, e.g. business planning, organizational development, etc.
• Human Resource Development of BIS-personnel, e.g. information management, customer care, information market-development, etc.

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