Involving the private sector affords a great opportunity for the programs and projects of the Austrian Development Agency. Thanks to the higher efficiency and sustainability of the market system, the inclusive market system development approach helps to integrate poor sections of the population into economic life – as entrepreneurs, workers or consumers.

It strengthens the private sector and opens access to markets for all – to goods, services, work and information. This frequently involves cooperation with private-sector actors. Commercial aims are subordinated here to development objectives: Business activities are only supported if they take account of social and environmental impacts and comply with international standards and rights.

Development cooperation enables local ownership. This means that it takes local actors seriously and works with the current market trend.