(e) strengthen the role of their national business organisations or associations in the formulation of their economic policies; and (f) collaborate with their national chambers of commerce and industry to establish lending institutions that shall primarily cater for the private sector especially the small-scale entrepreneurs who find it difficult to obtain credit from commercial banks and financing institutions. 3. The Partner States agree to promote enabling environment for the participation of civil society in the development activities within the Community. 4. The Secretary General shall provide the forum for consultations between the private sector, civil society organisations, other interest groups and appropriate institutions of the Community. ARTICLE 128 Strengthening the Private Sector 1. The Partner States shall endeavour to adopt programmes that would strengthen and promote the role of the private sector as an effective force for the development of their respective economies. 2. to: For purposes of paragraph 1 of this Article, the Partner States undertake (a) encourage the efficient use of scarce resources and to promote the development of private sector organisations which are engaged in all types of economic activity, such as, the chambers of commerce and industry, confederations and associations of industry, agriculture, manufacturers, farmers, traders, and service providers and professional groups; (b) encourage and sponsor practical and resourceful methods of income generation in the private sector; and (c) establish a quality information system which will allow collection, harmonised processing and timely dissemination of data and information. 3. For purposes of paragraph 1 of this Article, the Partner States may take such other additional steps as the Council may determine. 103