The World Bank funded study envisages understanding the motivation behind constraints of and solution to intra-regional FDI and participation in global/regional value chains in the SAR by seeking inputs from both actual and potential investors. It also attempts to identify the key binding constraints to greater intra-regional investments and providing guidance for operational support. BRIEF has been entrusted to undertake the primary research activities and prepare the preliminary report. Based on the findings, the study aims to offer guidance on refining entrepreneur support activities as well as policy development advice on such issues as capital controls that affect trade and competitiveness.