Katalyst is a market development project that aims to contribute to increased income for poor men and women in rural and urban areas. It does so by increasing the competitiveness of farmers and small enterprises by facilitating changes in services, inputs and product markets. Katalyst’s approach is based on the premise that enhanced private and public sector business services, and an improved enabling environment, lead to more competitive enterprises, sustainable economic growth, and poverty reduction.
The project is in its third phase of implementation starting from March 2013. Its current portfolio comprises of maize, vegetable, fish, seed, fertiliser, media, information and communication technology, and packaging sectors. It is co-funded by the UK Government, SDC, and Danida and implemented by Swisscontact and GIZ International Services under the umbrella of the Ministry of Commerce, Bangladesh.