The European Commission has contracted ADE to undertake an evaluation of its support to the development of the private sector since the issue of its related strategy in 2003. It covers a variety of support activities, from business promotion events to support to SMEs, from facilitation of investment financing to the development of financial markets, or from institutional strengthening to improvement of regulatory frameworks. Support to all third countries is included, as well as support through all instruments from bilateral cooperation, thematic budget lines or dedicated programmes or institutions.