Costa Rica | World Bank

Status of projects in execution (SOPE) - FY09 : Latin America and the Caribbean region - Costa Rica

The Status of Projects in Execution (SOPE) report for FY09 provides information on all International Bank and Rural Development (IBRD)/International Development Association (IDA) projects that were active on June 30, 2009. The report is intended to bridge the gap in information available to the public between the project appraisal document, disclosed after the Bank approves a project, and the implementation completion report, disclosed after the project closes. In addition to the project progress description, the FY09 SOPE report contains project level comparisons of disbursement estimates and actual disbursements, and a table showing the loan/credit/grant amount and disbursements to date for all active projects.

Costa Rica - Competitiveness diagnostic and recommendations

Costa Rica is a clear success story. The country enjoys the highest standard of living in Central America and one of the highest in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). Not surprisingly, poverty levels are among the lowest in LAC. Indeed in 2004, Costa Rica had the second lowest poverty headcount in LAC with just nine percent of households below the US$2 poverty line. This report is a contribution to those efforts. Based on multiple data sources, it assesses the main obstacles that affect private sector growth in Costa Rica and provides policy options and targeted interventions for improving the business environment and increasing competitiveness, with the goal of achieving sustained and broad-based growth. In this regard, the main focus of the report is on the long-term instead of on cyclical issues. This report outlines a program to address the critical bottlenecks that hamper Costa Rica in diverse fields including infrastructure, technological innovation and quality, human capital, red tape, and access to credit. The result is a rich and encompassing agenda. The rest of the report is structured in the following way. In section two, the report diagnoses the principal obstacles to export growth and of competitiveness in Costa Rica. The diagnostics reveal four areas most in need of reform: infrastructure, human capital and innovation, business regulation, and access to finance. Sections three to six cover each of these areas. Finally, the report closes with a section on conclusions and recommendations.

Costa Rica - Public Finance and Competitiveness Development Policy Loan with Deferred Draw-Down Option Project

The objectives of the Public Finance and Competitiveness Development Policy Loan with Deferred Draw-Dawn Option (DPL-DDO) Program for Costa Rica are to: (i) strengthen public finances and their transparency by enhancing the efficiency of revenue generation and results-based management of expenditures; and (ii) improve competitiveness by enhancing secondary education attainment, facilitating market entry in the telecommunications and insurance sectors, and strengthening the legal framework pertaining to intellectual property rights. This Public Finance and Competitiveness DPL-DDO, together with a parallel loan from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) approved on December 17, 2008, and a precautionary stand-by arrangement, are integral to Costa Rica's strategy to manage financing risks associated with the crisis on different fronts. Similarly, the precautionary stand-by arrangement provides a contingent line of liquidity to support the Central Bank's international reserves if needed. Finally, the DPL-DDO will provide a contingent line of credit to the Ministry of Finance in case a worsening in the economic environment makes the financing of the deficit more difficult than anticipated.

Doing business 2010 : Costa Rica - comparing regulation in 183 economies

Doing Business 2010 is the seventh in a series of annual reports investigating regulations that enhance business activity and those that constrain it. Doing Business presents quantitative indicators on business regulations and the protection of property rights that can be compared across 183 economies, from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe, over time. This paper presents the summary Doing Business indicators for Costa Rica. The paper includes the following headings: introduction and aggregate rankings, starting a business, dealing with construction permits, employing workers, registering property, getting credit, protecting investors, paying taxes, trading across borders, enforcing contracts, closing a business, and Doing Business 2010 reform.

Costa Rica - Public Finance, Education, and Competitiveness Enhancing Development Policy Credit Project

Status of projects in execution (SOPE) - FY08 : Latin America and Caribbean region - Costa Rica

The Status of Projects in Execution (SOPE) report for FY08 provides information on all International Bank and Rural Development (IBRD)/International Development Association (IDA) projects that were active on June 30, 2008. The report is intended to bridge the gap in information available to the public between the project appraisal document, disclosed after the Bank approves a project, and the implementation completion report, disclosed after the project closes. In addition to the project progress description, the FY08 SOPE report contains project level comparisons of disbursement estimates and actual disbursements, and a table showing the loan/credit/grant amount and disbursements to date for all active projects.

Doing business 2009 : country profile for Costa Rica - comparing regulation in 181 economies

Doing Business 2009 is the sixth in a series of annual reports investigating regulations that enhance business activity and those that constrain it. Doing Business presents quantitative indicators on business regulations and the protection of property rights that can be compared across 181 economies, from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe, over time. This paper presents the summary Doing Business indicators for Costa Rica. The paper includes the following headings: introduction, starting a business, dealing with licenses, employing workers, registering property, getting credit, protecting investors, paying taxes, trading across borders, enforcing contracts, and closing a business.

Costa Rica - Country partnership strategy : chairman's concluding remarks

Costa Rica - Catastrophe Deferred Draw Down Option (CAT DDO) Project

This program document concerns the Catastrophe Deferred Draw Down Option (CAT DDO) Project as budget financing for the Government of Costa Rica (GoCR) for three years.' The CAT DDO was developed by the Bank to respond to middle income countries' request for loans that better address their immediate funding needs in the aftermath of natural disasters. The overall development objective of the project is to enhance the government's capacity to implement its disaster risk management program for natural disasters. The CAT DDO will provide a source of immediate liquidity in case of a natural disaster. The CAT DDO will complement other instruments in the country and provide a source of bridge financing while other sources are being mobilized following a natural disaster. This operation will support two key policy areas of the Costa Rica Disaster Risk Management Program: (a) strengthening of the institutional and legal framework, and (b) mainstreaming disaster risk in the national development and investment programs. Several risks were identified during project preparation, and those that deserve attention are as follows: (a) Deterioration of Costa Rica's macroeconomic situation due to internal and external factors (rated moderate). Costa Rica currently benefits from a robust macroeconomic framework. (b) Coordination is a systemic risk in any emergency management project (rated low). In Costa Rica, the National Emergency Commission (CNE) has strong capacity for leading an emergency response and institutional efforts. (c) Political risk (rated low). The country is politically stable and has low turnover of senior officials. (d) The procedures implemented prove unable to disburse funds rapidly (rated as low). Given the inherent purpose and structure of the instrument, the Bank team will work closely with the GoCR and relevant Bank departments to ensure prompt disbursement.

Republic of Costa Rica - Country partnership strategy

This country partnership strategy (CPS) is the second to be prepared for Costa Rica following a nearly 10-year period of very limited engagement between Costa Rica and the Bank. The previous CPS, presented to the Board in mid-2004, was a key step in establishing a framework for a closer partnership and aimed at mutual learning and knowledge sharing, rather than significant resource transfer via lending operations. The present CPS also includes a very selective, demand-driven program, taking into account the government's policy priorities. To enable better alignment with Costa Rica's political cycle going forward, this CPS has a relatively short time-frame -- August 2008-December 2010 - covering the remaining term of the current administration and an additional 7 months following the next presidential transition in May 2010 to enable development of the next CPS with a new, incoming government. This will help better align future CPS preparation with Costa Rica's political cycle, in turn, smoothing CPS design and implementation going forward. The risks associated with this CPS are relatively low. The most pertinent risk to implementation of the CPS lending program derives from the lengthy legislative approvals process which applies to externally funded operations. This risk could be magnified as the country enters the election cycle from mid next year. The CPS attempts to minimize the risk of delays by: (i) focusing operations on areas of high strategic importance to a wide range of political actors; (ii) ensuring that the size of operations is adequate to ensure high level political commitment within the Executive; and (iii) working closely with the Executive to build wide consensus, including among Assembly members, on the content of the operations throughout the development phase. Other risks derive principally from the external environment, particularly a sharper-than-anticipated acceleration in food prices and or an unexpectedly prolonged slowdown in the United States. Costa Rica has been proactively addressing these risks, in particular, by drawing up a comprehensive strategy with respect to food price increases, covering both its potential economic and poverty impacts. The Bank is prepared to support implementation of the strategy through both analytical inputs and lending, should the Government request it.

Costa Rica - Catastrophe Deferred Draw Down Option (CAT DDO) Project

Environmental and social management framework

The objective of the Telecom Sector Modernization Project for Costa Rica is to establish clear procedures and methodologies for the environmental and social assessment, review, approval, and implementation of investments to be financed under the project. Negative measures include: terrestrial habitat, migratory birds, aquatic habitat, noise pollution, hazardous materials and toxic waste, and air emissions. Mitigation measures: (a) avoid night construction works, especially in residential areas; (b) avoid critical habitats such as nesting grounds, heronries, rookeries, wetlands, foraging corridors, and migration corridors; (c) substitute the use of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) in cooling and fire suppression systems; (d) place dust-barriers around construction sites, especially in residential and recreational areas; (e) use of noise suppression shields and mufflers for workers; (f) ensure appropriate disposal of wastes in certified landfill or based on the local authority requirements; and (g) minimize the use of vehicle fleet and backup power generators.

Costa Rica - Telecom Sector Modernization Project : indigenous peoples planning framework

The objective of the Telecom Sector Modernization Project for Costa Rica is to promote investments in the deployment of telecommunications networks and provision of services to rural areas. The potential environmental impacts associated with this project are notably associated with the construction of access roads for installation of cell towers and masts, primarily in rural areas (including protected areas), which require cutting of vegetation, potential installation of towers in indigenous reserves could pose a risk on the traditional culture and practices of indigenous peoples. Construction works and the presence of foreign workforce in their territories could affect their lifestyles and customs, and there is public concern regarding potential impacts of electromagnetic fields (EMF). The World Bank policy requires that all projects affecting indigenous peoples include a process of free, prior and informed consultation with the affected communities throughout the project cycle. Affected indigenous people shall be properly informed and their opinions taken into account in decision making about subprojects. The process should be tailored to each subproject's specific needs and circumstances, as well as to those of the corresponding population, and take into consideration the following points: 1) free, prior and informed consultation" refers to consultation that occurs freely and voluntarily, in a culturally appropriate manner, form and language, with no external manipulation, interference or coercion, and in which the consulted parties have prior access to information on the intent and scope of the project; 2) any subproject found to affect indigenous communities must be fully discussed with the concerned groups, even in cases where the expected affects are indirect; and 3) consultation must recognize existing Indigenous Peoples Organizations, including councils of elders, headmen and tribal leaders, and pay special attention to women, youth and the elderly.

Costa Rica - Telecom Sector Modernization Project

Costa Rica - Catastrophe Deferred Draw Down Option (CAT DDO) Project

Costa Rica - Public expenditure review : enhancing the efficiency of expenditures

Costa Rica, an upper middle-income developing country of 4 million inhabitants, is well known for its socio-economic achievements. Costa Rica's economic growth has averaged 4.7 percent annually over the last 15 years, about 2 percentage points above the rest of Latin America, reflecting its stable macroeconomic and political environment, strong institutions, and a well-educated work force. Costa Rica has followed a successful strategy of outward oriented export-led growth, openness to foreign investment, and gradual trade liberalization that transformed the economy from one highly dependent on agriculture and agro-industry to one that is now led by high-tech computer and electronic industries, services such as transport, communications and banking, non-traditional agriculture, and tourism. The government of Costa Rica realizes that continued economic growth and poverty reduction require an improvement in the quality of infrastructure and social sector services, particularly if Costa Rica is to take full advantage of the greater global market opportunities in the context of Dominican Republic-Central American Free Trade Agreement (DR-CAFTA) and other free trade initiatives. To improve the quality of public services while simultaneously reducing its fiscal vulnerability is challenging, especially since reaching a political consensus on revenue enhancing tax reform has proven difficult. This report is the outcome of the government's request to the World Bank (WB) and Inter-American Development Bank (IADB) to identify possible reforms in policies and institutions to enhance the effectiveness, efficiency, and equity of public expenditures. Such reforms will support Costa Rica's efforts to ensure sustainable fiscal balances and establish effective and transparent mechanisms to allocate public resources so as to promote broad-based economic growth, improve social indicators, and reduce poverty.

Costa Rica - Port-City of Limon Integrated Infrastructure Project

The project Public Finance and Competitiveness Development Policy Loan with Deferred Drawdown Option has changed to Active

2009-05-05T04:00:00.000Z

The project Public Finance and Competitiveness Development Policy Loan with Deferred Drawdown Option has changed to Active. To see more information, see the project information in the World Bank project database

Costa Rica: Public Finance and Competitiveness Development

2009-04-30T20:38:50.000Z

WASHINGTON, April 30, 2009 - The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors today approved the following project:

IBRD Loan: US$500 million
TERMS: Maturity = 30 years; Grace = 5 years
Project Description: The Public Finance and Competitiveness Development Policy Loan with Deferred Draw-Down Option in Costa Rica operation seeks to assist the government in addressing public financing needs to implement actions that strengthen public revenue generation capacity and fiscal transparency, improve secondary education attainment and enhance competitiveness to sustain growth. It is expected to play an important role in the Government’s contingency plan to cover potential financing gaps in the event that the global economic and financial environment worsens significantly, threatening the implementation of important reforms and undermining the capacity to sustain key social programs.

Key outcomes include an improvement in tax revenues as a percent of GDP, an expansion in the number of beneficiaries of the ‘Avancemos” program, decrease in the secondary drop-out rate, and an increase in the number of telecom operators and insurance providers competing in Costa Rica.

Media Contact

Gabriela Aguilar

(202) 473-6768

gaguilar2@worldbank.org

For more project information, please visit: http://web.worldbank.org/external/projects/main?pagePK=64283627&piPK=73230&theSitePK=40941&menuPK=228424&Projectid=P115173

For more information, please visit the Projects website.

Costa Rica/WB: US$500 Million to Strengthen Public Finances and Improve Competitiveness

2009-04-30T19:43:50.000Z

Contacts:

In Washington: Alejandro Cedeño (202) 473-3477

acedeno@worldbank.org

Cristina González (202) 473-4634

cgonzaleza@worldbank.org

WASHINGTON, April 30, 2009 – The World Bank Board of Directors approved today a US$500 million contingent line of credit to the Republic of Costa Rica to boost the country’s competitiveness and strengthen its public finances and respond to the global financial crisis.

The Development Policy Loan (DPL) with a Deferred Drawdown Option (DDO), Costa Rica: Public Finance and Competitiveness, supports progress towards medium-term strategic objectives such as addressing emerging challenges to continued growth and competitiveness, in particular with respect to infrastructure shortcomings, skills gaps and excessive red tape. In addition, it is aimed at sustaining recent social gains and environmental policies.

“The greatest source of risk for the economy is the uncertainty regarding the severity and duration of the global economic and financial crisis. The US$500 million Development Policy Loan is integral to Costa Rica’s strategy to manage risks associated with the crisis on different fronts and ensure the sustainability of the country’s social agenda. It will provide a contingent line of credit to the country to be used in case a worsening in the economic environment makes access to financing more difficult than anticipated,” said Guillermo Zuñiga, Minister of Finance of Costa Rica.

An upper middle-income developing country of 4.5 million inhabitants and a per-capita Gross Domestic Product of US$6,557 in 2008, Costa Rica is well known for its socio-economic achievement and stable political system. The country´s positive economic performance in recent years is due in great part to good macroeconomic management and its fiscal discipline. An improved fiscal performance in 2006 and 2007, and the maintenance of a slight public sector surplus in 2008, permitted increased social spending as well as a reduction in public debt.

As a consequence of the global financial crisis, projections for slower growth are estimated for 2009-2010. In response, central government expenditure will increase from 16.1 percent of GDP in 2008 to 18.9 percent in 2009, due largely to an increase in social and labor-intensive infrastructure spending.

“From a countercyclical perspective, the Government’s response to the crisis is a step in the right direction as it aims to protect the poor from the adverse effects of the crisis while strengthening the economy´s ability to recover growth when the external environment improves,” said Laura Frigenti, the World Bank’s Country Director for Central America. “This operation reflects the continuing collaboration between the World Bank and Costa Rica in support of its social agenda,” emphasized Frigenti.

The loan is designed to support the Government’s efforts aimed at:

· Strengthening public finances and their transparency by enhancing the efficiency of revenue generation and results-based management of expenditures;

· Improving competitiveness by enhancing secondary education attainment, and expanding the beneficiaries of the conditional cash transfer program, “Avancemos;”

· Establishing operational regulatory authorities for the telecommunications and insurance sectors, and strengthening the legal framework pertaining to intellectual property rights.

The DPL will be disbursed in a single tranche of US$500 million, payable in 30 years, including five years of grace period.

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For more information on the World Bank’s work in Latin America and the Caribbean, please visit: http://www.worldbank.org/lac

World Bank Executive Directors visit Honduras

2009-02-27T18:05:09.000Z

Contacts:
In Washington:
Alejandro Cedeno (202) 458-5054
acedeno@worldbank.org
In Tegucigalpa: María Amalia San Martín (504) 239-4551
Msanmartin@worldbank.org

Tegucigalpa, MDC, February 24, 2009 – A delegation of seven World Bank executive directors arrived in Honduras today to see firsthand the programs and projects implemented by the Government and the private sector with World Bank funding. The delegation is accompanied by World Bank Director for Central America Laura Frigenti, the Honduran governor to the World Bank, Rebeca Santos, and other of the organization’s employees.

During their visit, the delegates will meet with President Manuel Zelaya Rosales, government officials, business leaders, and civil society members. They will also visit the Land Management and Disaster Mitigation project in Tegucigalpa, as well as the “My First Job” project and a private agribusiness food preparation company in the city of San Pedro Sula. There, they will also meet with project beneficiaries.

The executive directors represent their respective governments to the World Bank. They direct general operations and make policies that guide the organization. They are also responsible for analyzing loan, credit, and grant proposals presented by the World Bank CEO and for implementing decisions regarding these proposals.

The World Bank supports the Government of Honduras and its people in their struggle to develop and reach social equity by providing credits with a 10-year grace period for payment and 20 years for reimbursement. The World Bank has provided Honduras with over US$2.5 billion, helping to fund different projects, such as El Cajón, Cañaveral, and Río Lindo hydroelectric projects, as well as highways and health and educational reform programs. Presently, the World Bank’s portfolio in Honduras amounts to US$411 million for 17 projects in several strategic sectors, as well as other financial support offered to entrepreneurs in the financial, industrial, energy, and telecommunications sectors.

For more information about the work of the World Bank in Honduras, please visit: http://www.bancomundial.org/hn

WB Renews Support to Costa Rica

2009-02-13T19:06:19.000Z

Contacts:

Sergio Álvaro Jellinek (202) 294-6232

sjellinek@worldbank.org

Gabriela Aguilar (202) 290-8512

gaguilar2@worldbank.org

SAN JOSE, Costa Rica, February 12, 2009— At the end of a two-day visit to Costa Rica, the World Bank Vice President for Latin America and the Caribbean Pamela Cox renewed World Bank support for the sound macroeconomic policies, the competitiveness agenda, and the social emphasis embraced by President Oscar Arias’ Administration.

To address the impact of the global economic crisis, the World Bank is preparing a US$500 million credit line for the country, which may be used as needed by the Costa Rica authorities.

According to Costa Rica’s Minister of Finance Guillermo Zúñiga, “the assistance offered by the World Bank benefits Costa Rica, as it efficiently protects the economy and provides fresh resources under advantageous conditions, should they be needed.”

The minister recalled that the Legislature recently approved a similar credit for US$65 million for natural disasters. Costa Rica is the first country receiving a World Bank credit for such purposes.

For the new credit line, Cox explained that “its terms are still to be negotiated. The initiative will be presented to the World Bank’s Board of Directors in April. This is a significant support that the country can rely on, if required, in these times of economic uncertainty.”

“Central America has close trade relationships with the United States; therefore, the reduced demand for products and services will surely impact the region,” said Cox, explaining that this is further aggravated by reduced remittances sent from the United States and Europe to Central American countries.

The World Bank official met President Oscar Arias and Minister of Finance Guillermo Zúñiga, along with Laura Frigenti, World Bank Director for Central America, to assess the situation of the region in the light of the global economic crisis.

As part of her stay in the country, Cox visited the areas affected by the 6.2 degree (Richter scale) earthquake that occurred last January, which killed 23 people and left more than 2,000 homeless. She visited temporary shelters and talked with several victims.

“I am impressed by the high level of professionalism and commitment of the Costa Rican public institutions, which have implemented a comprehensive strategy that combines material support with a human focus, including psychological support to those who need it, especially children. I have seen similar experiences in other countries and Costa Rica’s response has been exemplary,” Cox explained.

Along with the World Bank Chief Economist for the region Augusto de la Torre; the Minister of the Environment, Energy and Telecommunications Roberto Dobles; and the Regional Director for the International Union for Conservation of Nature Grethel Aguilar, Cox presented the main annual World Bank report for Latin America and the Caribbean, which addresses the challenges and opportunities of the region to mitigate and deal with the impacts of climate change.

For the fiscal year ending June 2009, the World Bank expects to almost triple its lending portfolio for Latin America, reaching approximately US$13 billion, of which US$3 billion will be allocated to Central America. Such increase evidences the prompt response of the multilateral institution to help Latin American countries face the global crisis impact.

More than US$2 billion will be directly related with assistance programs for the underprivileged in the form of Conditional Cash Transfers (CCT), which seek to increase the access of the poor to health and education services.

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For more information about the World Bank’s work in Latin America and the Caribbean, please visit:

http://www.worldbank.org/lac

For more information about the World Bank’s work in Costa Rica, please visit:

http://www.worldbank.org/costarica

The project Public Finance and Competitiveness Development Policy Loan with Deferred Drawdown Option is now in the pipeline.

2009-01-14T05:00:00.000Z

The project Public Finance and Competitiveness Development Policy Loan with Deferred Drawdown Option is now in the pipeline. To see more information, see the project information in the World Bank project database

The project Towards a neighbourhood Imprvmnt and Slum Eradication National Policy - Costa Rica is now in the pipeline.

2009-01-10T05:00:00.000Z

The project Towards a neighbourhood Imprvmnt and Slum Eradication National Policy - Costa Rica is now in the pipeline. To see more information, see the project information in the World Bank project database

Consultations on the Bank Web Site

2008-12-09T15:37:38.000Z

Dear reader,

A few years ago, the World Bank’s Web site was noted as a leader among development organizations’ websites. As technology has rapidly advanced and user expectations evolved, our Web site too needs to change and adapt.

You come to our Web site because you are looking for the latest information on development. Our project information, data and research assist you in tackling your challenges or keeping up on the Bank’s activities.

Now we’re catching up. We are revamping our Web site and expanding our online capabilities to better satisfy our business needs and meet audience demands.

We’re examining all aspects of the site—content, technology, business needs and audience demands—to figure out what needs to stay, be improved or be removed.

This is a complex undertaking. We are currently gathering information to determine requirements for our future site.

Through our open online consultation, we are looking for comments from anyone who wishes to discuss their information needs and any difficulties they encounter with the site. The online consultation period ends on December 31, 2008.

All feedback we receive will inform the future design and functionality of the Web site by informing Bank management on audience needs.

Our ultimate goal is to make the Web site better support the institution’s mission of fighting global poverty and helping countries develop.

Your feedback will bring us closer to this goal.

Thank you,

Angie Gentile
Managing Editor, www.worldbank.org

Global Food and Fuel Crisis Will Increase Malnourished by 44 Million

2008-10-08T17:30:00.000Z

Contacts:
In Washington :Carl Hanlon 202-473-8087; chanlon@worldbank.org;
Philip Hay 202-473-1796
phay@worldbank.org

WASHINGTON, October 8, 2008 – High food and fuel prices will increase the number of malnourished people around the world in 2008 by 44 million to reach a total of 967 million, a report from the World Bank says.

While food and fuel price increases may have moderated in recent months, prices remain much higher than previous years and show few signs of declining significantly, according to the report entitled “Rising food and fuel prices: addressing the risks to future generations”. Poor families around the world are being pushed to the brink of survival, causing irreparable damage to the health of millions of children. As families cut back on spending, there are also grave risks for the educational performance of poor children.

“While people in the developed world are focused on the financial crisis, many forget that a human crisis is rapidly unfolding in developing countries. It is pushing poor people to the brink of survival,” said World Bank Group President Robert B. Zoellick. “The financial crisis will only make it more difficult for developing countries to protect their most vulnerable people from the impact of rising food and fuel costs.”

The report, due to be presented on Sunday to the Development Committee at the Annual Meetings of the World Bank and IMF, says the food and fuel crisis could have long term effects on poor people and countries. Malnourished children cannot develop into healthy adults and become productive members of society who can contribute to the growth needed to lift themselves and their country out of poverty.

The report says priority should be given to a series of targeted measures. These include:

Making existing targeted cash (or near cash) transfer programs more generous;
Getting nutrition to infants and pregnant women;
expanding so-called ”in-kind” food distribution programs including school feeding and the distribution of fortified calorically dense food;
using fee waivers, lifeline-pricing and other forms of targeted subsidies for poor users/consumers; and
introducing additional measures to prevent children from dropping out of school, such as fee waivers, subsidies for school inputs, or cash transfers.

The report also argues that allocating the necessary amount of budget to finance an expansion of safety net programs may require pruning less-priority spending in other areas. But it notes that well-designed safety net programs do not have to be prohibitively expensive to be effective. Some of the most successful programs in the world cost well under 1 percent of Gross Domestic Product. Moreover, investing in safety net programs now will give governments new tools to address not just the current crisis, but future ones as well.

In May, the World Bank launched a $1.2 billion rapid financing facility to help poor countries cope with the food crisis. Since then, around US$850 million has been committed to finance seeds, plantings, and feeding programs. In April, Zoellick called for a New Deal for Global Food Policy that included short, medium and long-term measures to provide immediate help to poor people and farmers while increasing food production.

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For more information on the Bank's work in nutrition, please visit: www.worldbank.org/nutrition

and for more on social safety nets, click here: www.worldbank.org/safetynets

The project Costa Rica Catastrophe Deferred Draw Down Option (CAT DDO) has changed to Active

2008-09-17T04:00:00.000Z

The project Costa Rica Catastrophe Deferred Draw Down Option (CAT DDO) has changed to Active. To see more information, see the project information in the World Bank project database

Costa Rica: Catastrophe Deferred Drawdown Option (Cat DDO) Loan

2008-09-16T20:57:46.000Z

WASHINGTON, September 16, 2008- The following project was approved today by the World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors:

IBRD Loan: US$65 million

TERMS: Maturity = 29.5 years; Grace= 5 years

Program Description: This project aims to enhance the government of Costa Rica’s capacity to implement its Disaster Risk Management Program for natural disasters. The CAT DDO acts as a source of bridge financing that may be disbursed partially or in full if the country declares a state of emergency as a result of a natural disaster. This will allow the country to maintain its development programs while mobilizing other sources of funding to address the emergency.

For more information, please call Stevan Jackson at (202) 458-5054 or e-mail here at sjackson@worldbank.org

For more information, please visit the Projects website.

Costa Rica: World Bank Approves US$65 Million to Reduce the Impact of Natural Disasters on the Poor

2008-09-16T17:37:15.000Z

Contacts:

In Washington: Alejandro Cedeño (202) 473-3477

acedeno@worldbank.org

WASHINGTON, September 16, 2008 -The World Bank Board of Executive Directors today approved a US$65 million loan to Costa Rica for the first Catastrophe Deferred Drawdown Option (CAT DDO)aimed at providing a source of immediate financing in the aftermath of a major natural disaster.

The CAT DDO acts as a source of bridge financing that may be disbursed partially or in full if the country declares a state of emergency as a result of a natural disaster. This will allow the country to maintain its development programs while mobilizing other sources of funding to address the emergency.

"The poor are the most at risk from the impacts of natural disasters,”said Laura Frigenti, World Bank Director for Central America. “This operation, the first of its kind, will help ensure that affected populations receive assistance as soon as possible after a disaster, and will support the continuity of development programs directed to alleviate and reduce poverty.”

Due to its geographic location and geotectonic characteristics, Costa Rica is exposed to a large variety of natural hazards, including floods, hurricanes, earthquakes, volcano eruptions, and landslides. Costa Rica experienced 49 major natural disaster events between 1910 and 2008, which affected 1.4 million people.

Despite its high exposure to adverse natural events, the country has built an efficient disaster response system and has managed to limit vulnerabilities through the effective enforcement of building codes, environmental standards, and land use planning. Costa Rica has also made substantial progress in strengthening its institutional and legal framework and mainstreaming disaster risk management in its national development program.

“This is just one instrument as part of a World Bank effort to deliver customized financial solutions and help plan efficient responses to catastrophic events. The CAT DDO is most effective as part of a broader risk management strategy,”said Gloria Grandolini, World Bank Director of Banking and Debt Management.

“The CAT DDO was developed responding to requests by middle-income countries for innovative financial products to increase their resilience in case of catastrophic events,” said Armando Guzmán, World Bank Task Manager for this operation. “This instrument will help Costa Rica to better address its immediate funding needs in the aftermath of natural disasters.”

The CAT DDO can be disbursed over aperiod of three years and may be renewed up to four times for a total of 15 years. The US$65 million loan has a variable interest rate approximately equal to six-month LIBOR and is repayable in 29.5 years, including a five-year grace period.

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For more information on this project, please visit:

http://web.worldbank.org/external/projects/main?pagePK=64283627&piPK=73230&theSitePK=40941&menuPK=228424&Projectid=P111926

For more information on the World Bank’s work in Costa Rica, please visit:

http://www.worldbank.org/costarica

For more information, please visit the Projects website.

Costa Rica-World Bank: New Partnership Includes US$258 Million

2008-09-04T22:20:42.000Z

News Release No. 2009/068/LCR

Contacts:

In Washington: Alejandro Cedeño (202) 473-3477

acedeno@worldbank.org

WASHINGTON, September 4, 2008 - The World Bank Board of Directors endorsed today the new Country Partnership Strategy (CPS) for Costa Rica, which envisages a lending program of up to US$258 million between August 2008 and December 2010.

The new partnership is based on a streamlined lending program for priority areas such as secondary education, prevention of catastrophic risks, telecommunications reform, and the comprehensive development of infrastructure in the country.

Additionally, the partnership includes an expanded program of analytic and advisory activities carefully tailored to country demands and that would respond in real time to emerging demands.

"The new partnership strategy for Costa Rica will support key areas of development for the country including competitiveness, disaster management and secondary education." said Laura Frigenti, World Bank Country Director for Central America. "The strategy includes a combination of traditional and innovative financial instruments, technical assistance and fee for services.” she added.

This will be accomplished by supporting the following operations:

A catastrophic risk deferred draw-down operation (US$65 million), which will provide Costa Rica a quick source of funds in the event of a major natural disaster, thus allowing a real time response to address emergency needs.
A telecommunications reform project (US$13 million) intended to bring global experience to modernize the telecommunications sector.
A secondary education and skills development project (US$80 million), complementing ongoing efforts by the Education Quality and Efficiency Project, which is improving the relevance of secondary education to labor market demands. This will be accomplished through a revamping of the curriculum, pedagogical methods, teacher training and updated equipment and technology.
Puntarenas integrated infrastructure development project (US$100 million) to be designed after the Puerto Limon operation approved in 2008. The project seeks to transform the Puntarenas area (including the nearby Caldera port) into a regional center of economic growth by revitalizing the port and urban environment, leveraging the interface and synergies between the port and the city, and increasing economic opportunities for the poorest households in this area.
Technical assistance particularly in the poorest areas, with the objective of focalizing social assistance, competitiveness, domestic debt market development, pension’s assets management, and consolidation of health system reform.

In addition, the World Bank will support Costa Rica’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through support from the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility (FCPC) to help design positive incentives for emissions reduction. This will build on the ongoing dialogue in the context of the payment for environmental services initiative.

As part of the new partnership strategy, the private sector arm of the World Bank Group, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), will continue working in the financial, infrastructure, health, education and agribusiness sectors.

The strategy is the result of a series of consultations with representatives of the Costa Rican government, civil society organizations, academic institutions, and political parties. The period covered by this CPS includes the remaining term of the administration of President Oscar Arias plus an additional period of seven months to prepare the succession of this strategy with the new government in 2010.

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For more information on the World Bank’s work in Costa Rica, please visit:

http://www.worldbank.org/costarica

The project Costa Rica Catastrophe Deferred Draw Down Option (CAT DDO) is now in the pipeline.

2008-07-11T04:00:00.000Z

The project Costa Rica Catastrophe Deferred Draw Down Option (CAT DDO) is now in the pipeline. To see more information, see the project information in the World Bank project database

New report on economic growth offers lessons on achieving sustained, high economic growth

2008-05-21T17:11:32.000Z

Contacts:

In Washington:

Maya Brahmam at +1-202-473-6231 or email at mbrahmam@worldbank.org

WASHINGTON, May 20, 2008 – The World Bank Group welcomes a new report by the independent Commission on Growth and Development, a global panel of eminent experts, which reveals important lessons from countries that have achieved high, long-term economic growth. The experts say the lessons learned could help policy makers in developing countries as they seek to set their countries on a steady growth path.

The Growth Report: Strategies for Sustained Growth and Inclusive Development says integration into the world economy, maintaining high rates of savings and investment, and committed, capable governments are among the key features of countries that have sustained growth rates above 7 percent for 25 uninterrupted years since World War II.

"This report underscores to the development community that one size doesn’t fit all." said World Bank Group President Robert B. Zoellick. I am especially pleased that it draws on input from first class practitioners and leaders who have hands-on pragmatic and practical experience of making inclusive development a success. This will help enrich the thinking and practice of the World Bank Group as well as others in the development field.” “

High, long-lasting growth is not easily achieved, but the report by some of the world’s top policy-makers and thinkers, believes it can be reproduced in developing countries, giving them a chance to reduce poverty and improve opportunity and quality of life for their citizens.

“We are acutely aware that there are no silver bullets to create long-running, inclusive growth, and that no single paradigm exists,” says Commission Vice Chair Danny Leipziger, who is also Vice President for Poverty Reduction and Economic Management at the World Bank. “While seeking to identify those key elements that can lead to long running and inclusive growth, the report is clear that policy makers will need to customize and experiment with polices rather than follow any rigid set of guidelines.”

Commission Chairman Michael Spence said: " What makes the report so unique is that it was prepared by policymakers, many from developing countries, who have been in the trenches themselves and have learned what works and why. It is these commissioners who are now providing their insights to the next generation of policymakers on ways to improve growth prospects and the quality of life in the poor parts of the globe."

Spence is one of two Nobel Laureates on the 21-member commission comprising leaders from business, government and academia. The Commissioners come from 18 countries that include a broad mix of developing, emerging and developed economies, as well as small island states and populous, large countries.

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To download full report click here:

http://www.growthcommission.org/

World Bank Broadens Transport Agenda

2008-05-21T17:00:00.000Z

Contacts
In Washington:
Roger Morier (202) 473 5675, rmorier@worldbank.org
Anna Piasecka (202) 458 7027, apiasecka@worldbank.org

WASHINGTON, D.C., May 21, 2008 – The World Bank Group today launched a new transport business strategy for 2008-2012 that will help partner countries establish the governance, strategies, policies and services to deliver transport for development in a way that is economically, financially, environmentally and socially sustainable.

Called Safe, Clean, and Affordable… Transport for Development, the business strategy strengthens the alignment of the transport sector approach with the Millennium Development Goals adopted by the United Nations in 2000. At the same time, it widens the directions and deepens the routes that will be taken to meet the evolving development agenda. It gives more attention to emerging trends, such as trade globalization, urbanization of populations; rising concerns about climate change, the increase in traffic congestion; and the recognition of access as a key to both economic opportunity and good governance.

“In striving to achieve its development objectives—and foremost to eradicate poverty—the World Bank Group is mobilizing the transport sector to the fullest possible extent,” said Katherine Sierra, World Bank Vice President for Sustainable Development. ”To that end, the transport business strategy aligns Bank Group instruments along a few key strategic directions that will pave the way to truly sustainable development, one where transport plays a crucial role.”

“In a world with rising levels of greenhouse gases, poor road safety, and the too-frequent spread of communicable diseases along international routes, transport must be looked at anew. A coherent way forward requires innovative thinking and cooperation among sectors to optimize the role of transport without jeopardizing personal and commercial mobility.”

The Bank Group consulted widely in preparing its new business strategy, seeking contributions from over 75 transport development partners, governments, professional institutions, civil society organizations, multilateral and bilateral donors, and putting an early draft on its external website for four months to elicit public comments.

Safe Transport
Acknowledging the importance of transport for achieving public health outcomes within the Millennium Development Goals, the strategy stresses the need to mitigate the spread of HIV/AIDS, and to address safety in all transport modes, especially road transport. It also addresses the safety issue in air transport which, although globally much safer, still shows a safety record significantly affecting growth and investment prospects in some regions, in particular Sub-Saharan Africa. Transport and supply-chain security has also become a major issue in ensuring fair access of developing country exports to developed markets, and needs to be addressed as a new global public good.

“Road crashes kill an estimated 1.2 million people a year and injure 50 million more, disproportionately affecting the poor,” said Anthony Bliss, Lead Road Safety Specialist, Program Coordinator for the World Bank’s Global Road Safety Facility. “We are placing special emphasis on road safety, extending our support to include not only road safety components embedded in road infrastructure projects, but also larger stand-alone projects to formulate national policies and strategies that would improve road safety across the board. We will also pursue cross-sectoral approaches, such as including pre-hospital components in road programs and road safety components in health programs.”

Clean Transport
Urban air pollution, 90 percent of it generated by motor vehicles, kills an estimated 800,000 people each year. Transport now produces approximately 15 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions. Reflecting the contribution of transport to the wider environmental aims of the Millennium Development Goals, the strategy encompasses the transport-energy-environment nexus, from the energy consumption to the emissions and climate change impact perspectives. Going forward, the World Bank Group will be working to help restrain transport energy consumption. It will be assessing and controlling transport projects emissions, favoring shifts to low carbon modes.

“We are setting guidelines for environmentally effective transport planning and decision making,” said Jamal Saghir, Director, Energy, Transport and Water Department and Chair of the Transport Sector Board. “We are seeking ways to mitigate the effects of transport on the climate—and the effects of climate change on transport asset. We intend to build climate change issues into transport project appraisals where appropriate.”

Affordable Transport
An estimated 1 billion people in low-income countries lack access to an all-weather road. Affordable transport can enhance mobility and inclusion. It can promote social, economic, and political integration, by keeping a country together despite geographic disparities, by overcoming potential disputes over access to resources, and by defusing the seeds of conflict that sometimes arise from feelings of isolation.

Marc Juhel, Sector Manager for Transport stressed the fact that affordability concerns not only the rural and urban poor, but also the whole freight economy, aiming at improving competitiveness to foster stronger economic growth:

“The strategy stresses the need for better knowledge and control of transport costs, for both passengers and freight, on domestic and regional, urban and rural settings. The implementation of an effective urban transport strategy, reaching out to the growing urban poor population, is a key element of this approach. On the freight side, the cooperative work on trade and transport facilitation—in particular on customs and transit issues—will be strengthened.”

World Bank contribution to transport over previous decade
Since the Bank’s 1996 transport strategy, Sustainable Transport, was endorsed by the World Bank’s Board of Directors, the Bank Group has committed around US$42 billion for more than 530 dedicated transport operations and transport components in over 500 non-transport specific projects in more than 100 client countries. Lending in fiscal year 2007 (July 1, 2006 – June 30, 2007) reached over US$5 billion, amounting to 20 percent of World Bank Group new annual commitments.

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View the transport business strategy—Safe, Clean, and Affordable… Transport for Development at: http://www.worldbank.org/transport

World Bank Group President Appoints Vice President of Institutional Integrity

2008-05-05T18:00:00.000Z

Contacts:
In Washington: Carl Hanlon (202) 473 8087
chanlon@worldbank.org

WASHINGTON, D.C. May 5, 2008 – World Bank Group President Robert B. Zoellick has named South African Leonard McCarthy to head the Bank’s Department of Institutional Integrity (INT). McCarthy has earned international recognition for investigations and prosecutions of individuals engaged in corruption as head of South Africa’s Directorate of Special Operations.

“Leonard McCarthy is recognized worldwide for his integrity, independence, and effectiveness in fighting corruption and strengthening good governance,” says Zoellick. “This is the first time that the Department of Institutional Integrity will be headed at the level of Vice President, and McCarthy brings to the post stature, skill, and tested experience. This post is critical for our work, reputation, and fiduciary duty. I am confident that he will bring effective leadership to our highest obligation to protect the Bank’s assets and hold people, businesses, and governments responsible if they steal from the poor.”

McCarthy’s work with South Africa's National Prosecuting Authority has included investigating and prosecuting high profile cases of financial crime, organized crime, and high-level corruption. He has worked closely with African governments and law enforcement officials across the globe to expose and prosecute transnational financial crime. McCarthy was formerly a Director of Public Prosecutions appointed by President Nelson Mandela.

An experienced trial lawyer, he has held numerous positions in government, including Investigating Director in the Office for Serious Economic Offenses, Deputy Attorney General in Cape Province and Senior Public Prosecutor. He holds a Bachelor of Laws Degree from the University of South Africa in Cape Town.

Following talks with the South African government, President Mbeki has agreed to release McCarthy from service, to take up the position at the World Bank on June 30, 2008.

“I am honored to receive this appointment and to be joining the World Bank, I believe strongly in its vision, said McCarthy. “President Zoellick has made clear to me the strong emphasis he places on INT’s role, its need for strong, highly skilled people who will both pursue investigations and integrate anti-corruption work into Bank projects across the world. I am committed to delivering results and building on INT’s work to strengthen financial due diligence and ensure that precious development resources benefit people who need them most.”

McCarthy was selected from a list of candidates assessed by an internal search committee with the addition of former Federal Reserve Chairman Paul Volcker, who led a review of INT last year. In his report Volcker called for greater attention to protect against corruption in designing and implementing Bank programs.

Mr. Volcker has welcomed the fact that: “the Bank is now implementing the recommendations of the Panel he chaired, importantly including elevating the head of INT to the level of vice president.”

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World Bank Marks World Press Freedom Day with Study on Broadcasting and Development

2008-05-02T12:30:00.000Z

Contact:

In Washington: Christopher Neal, (202) 473-2049

Cneal1@worldbank.org

MAPUTO, May 2, 2008—The World Bank marked World Press Freedom Day by launching a study outlining conditions under which radio, television and online broadcasting can fulfil a vital role in development by making governments accountable, and giving voice to the world’s poor.

“Huge numbers of people, including those who can’t read, have access to broadcast media,” said Kreszentia Duer, of the World Bank Institute (WBI), who presented the study, Broadcasting, Voice and Accountability, at a conference here on freedom of expression hosted by UNESCO. “In countries with strong oral traditions, community broadcasting can enable people to share information and raise issues with a large audience, and hold government officials to account. This makes broadcasting a powerful tool for enhancing governance and promoting development.”

The 400-page study, subtitled A Public Interest Approach to Policy, Law and Regulation, is the result of five years of research by six media experts, including Ms. Duer, Steve Buckley, president of the World Association of Community Broadcasters; Toby Mendel, ARTICLE 19, Global Campaign for Free Expression; Seán Ó Siochrú, founder of the Campaign for Communication Rights in the Information Society; Monroe E. Price, of the Annenberg School for Communication at the University of Pennsylvania; and Marc Raboy, of Canada’s McGill University.

The study reviews broadcasting practices and regulations around the world, and identifies those which produce an “enabling environment” for broadcasting that is free, independent and pluralistic. These characteristics are essential, the report says, for broadcasting to perform an effective role in giving people voice, and ensuring government accountability.

Drawing from their research, the authors propose standards on freedom of expression, access to information, use and misuses of defamation law, content rules and limits to free speech, and the regulation of journalists. The study also offers guidelines on best practice for broadcast regulators, as well as the respective roles of public service, community non-profit, and commercial private sector broadcasters, all of which, it argues, should be present in a healthy media environment.

Co-author Steve Buckley notes that increased movement towards democracy in developing countries opens the way to build broadcasting that serves the public interest.

“Countries that are opening their economies, democratizing, and decentralizing public service delivery are looking for guidance on how to involve citizens in decisions that affect them,” he said. “Broadcasting, enabled by the right regulation and conditions, can empower groups through bottom-up participation.”

The book cites countries that have developed systems to enhance the quality and diversity of media content, while fully respecting freedom of expression, and identifies ways in which government regulation can expand access to broadcast media. Community broadcasting, for example, can be encouraged through special licensing arrangements that guarantee fair and equitable access to radio frequencies and financial support.

“This book focuses on useful proactive approaches to setting up, sustaining, and governing broadcasting systems across the world,” said Ruth Teer-Tomaselli, UNESCO Chair in Communication for Southern Africa at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. “It’s based on sound scholarship and provides practical advice for policymakers, media scholars and broadcasters alike.”

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For more information, please visit:

http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/WBI/0,,contentMDK:21747844~pagePK:209023~piPK:207535~theSitePK:213799,00.html

To order: http://publications.worldbank.org/ecommerce/catalog/product?item_id=8100893

World Bank President Calls for Plan to Fight Hunger in Pre-Spring Meetings Address

2008-04-02T15:53:10.000Z

April 2, 2008—In a speech today, World Bank President Robert B. Zoellick called for a "new deal" to combat world hunger and malnutrition through a combination of emergency aid and long-term efforts to boost agricultural productivity in developing countries.

The "New Deal for a Global Food Policy" is part of a suite of initiatives Zoellick outlined to advance development in the face of skyrocketing food and oil prices. He also called for a global trade deal to be agreed as soon as possible, detailed an initiative to help countries manage their wealth earned from high energy and mineral prices in a more inclusive way, and encouraged sovereign wealth funds to create a "One Percent Solution" for equity investment in Africa.

Agricultural Assistance

The World Bank will nearly double agricultural assistance to US$800 million in Africa. Zoellick also urged wealthy nations to help the UN’s World Food Program meet some $500 million in emergency food needs.

"The United States, the European Union, Japan and other OECD countries must act now to fill this gap – or many more people will suffer and starve," Zoellick said in an address sponsored by the Center for Global Development in Washington.

Zoellick said the "New Deal for a Global Food Policy" is needed to combat the "forgotten" Millennium Development Goal of overcoming malnutrition. Only about a tenth of the resources directed at HIV/AIDS goes to fight malnutrition, which causes 3.5 million deaths a year in children under 5 and has long-lasting impacts on health and achievement.

"Hunger and malnutrition are a cause, not just a result, of poverty," said Zoellick.

The World Bank estimates 33 countries face social unrest because of soaring food and energy prices.

The New Deal requires a shift from traditional food aid to a broader concept of food and nutrition assistance, such as cash or vouchers that can help build local food markets and farm production,.and create a "Green Revolution" for Sub-Saharan Africa, said Zoellick.

"This New Deal should focus not only on hunger and nutrition, access to food and its supply, but also the interconnections with energy, yields, climate change, investment, the marginalization of women and others, and economic resiliency and growth," said Zoellick.

"Food policy needs to gain the attention of the highest political levels, because no one country or group can meet these interconnected challenges."

Zoellick said the World Bank Group can help by:

Backing emergency measures that support the poor while encouraging incentives to produce and harvest food
Offering access to technology and science to boost yields
Helping countries counter weather-related risks, such as drought
Facilitating land-titling, local currency financing, working capital, distribution and logistics, and support for services on which farmers rely

"Income gains in agriculture have three times the power in overcoming poverty than increases in other sectors, and 75 percent of the world’s poor are rural, with most involved in farming," said Zoellick.

Trade Also Key to Lower Food Prices

Zoellick said the time was "now or never" to break the impasse in global trade talks. A "fairer and more open trading system" would encourage developing country farmers to expand production, he said.

"The poor need lower food prices now. But the world’s agricultural trading system is stuck in the past. If ever there was a time to cut distorting agricultural subsidies and open markets for food imports, it must be now."

An accord would give developing countries, big and small, more opportunities to become more productive and lower prices through trade. It would also infuse confidence in an economic system stressed by financial anxiety, he said.

However, "powerful voices across the political spectrum, including in my own country, are calling for, rationalizing, protectionism," Zoellick said. "This economic isolationism signals a defeatism that will reap the losses, not the gains, of globalization."

The trade talks are also a "critical test" for striking a global deal on climate change. "If negotiators of 150 economies cannot manage the political tradeoffs of the Doha Round to reap the clear benefits, it does not auger well for bringing developed and developing countries together on a new accord for climate change."

Sovereign Wealth Funds

Zoellick also outlined a plan to encourage emerging economies such as China, India and Brazil to invest about US$30 billion in African nations through government-sponsored wealth funds.

Such sovereign wealth funds currently hold about US$3 trillion in assets. They have come under scrutiny recently because of investments outside their own countries. Zoellick noted they need transparency and should be guided by best practices to avoid politicization, but "where some see sovereign funds as a source of concern, we see opportunity," said Zoellick.

The World Bank’s "One Percent Solution" involves creating the equity investment platforms and benchmarks to attract these investors, and allocating 1 percent of the assets to African growth, development and opportunity.

"This one percent could be the start of something much bigger, across more types of funds and countries, because the investment of wealth into equity for development offers opportunity, not something to fear."

Extractive Industries Initiative

Zoellick announced a new approach to help ensure that high energy and commodity prices translate into improvements in the lives of the poor.

The EITI++ builds on the transparency and good governance concepts of the existing multi-stakeholder Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI). EITI publicizes and verifies company payments and government revenues from oil, gas and mining. But many governments are emphasizing that transparent revenue reporting, while important, is not enough. The World Bank is therefore working with developing countries and other partners to frame a "comprehensive approach to supplement the original project."

EITI++ will include providing technical assistance to countries on the awarding of contracts, monitoring operations, collecting taxes, improving resource extraction and economic decisions, better managing price volatility, and investing revenues effectively in sustainable development.

An EITI++ approach will be launched in Guinea. "The successful development of Guinea’s rich resources can strengthen sustainable development for the entire region," Zoellick said.

"The EITI++ can advance inclusive and sustainable globalization by broadening the beneficiaries of resource development."

GEF Trust Fund Grant to the International Center for Tropical Agriculture for Latin America: Multi-Country Capacity-Building for Compliance with the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety

2008-03-25T21:08:30.000Z

WASHINGTON, March 25, 2008 - The following projects was approved today by the World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors:

Global Environment Facility (GEF) Grant: USD$4million

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The Global Environmental Objective (GEO) of the project is to strengthen the capacity in the four participating countries, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, and Peru to implement the Cartagena Protocol (CP) on biosafety. Specifically it aims to strengthen the technical capacity in knowledge generation for biosafety risk assessment and management; and strengthen the biosafety decision-making capacity. The proposed project is one of two projects (the second project being a GEF medium sized Regional Capacity-Building for Compliance with the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety project) which are being developed to address the biosafety knowledge and capacity gap.

For more information please call Gabriela Aguilar at (202) 473-6768 or e-mail gaguilar2@worldbank.org.

For more information, please visit the Projects website.

The project Port-City of Limon Integrated Infrastructure Project has changed to Active

2008-01-11T05:00:00.000Z

The project Port-City of Limon Integrated Infrastructure Project has changed to Active. To see more information, see the project information in the World Bank project database

The objective of the Costa Rica City Port of Limon Project is to revitalize the city of Limon in line with the Government's Regional Development Strategy, and prepare for the modernization of the port of Limon. The project comprises four main components. The first component will invest in the urban upgrade, cultural heritage protection and revitalization and natural conservation of Limon, restoring its emblematic historical and cultural patrimony and providing basic services to one of its poorest neighborhoods. The second component will support the generation of new sources of employment and income, particularly among the young, through the development of micro and small businesses, training and technical assistance, seizing the opportunities presented by growing cruise tourism and the historical/cultural richness of Limon. The third component will provide technical assistance for the Municipality of Limon to improve its capacity to deliver and manage quality services and goods while empowering it to take an active role in the city's development. And finally, the fourth component will support: (i) improvement of transport access to the Limon and Moin port terminals, which includes the repair of the bridge over the river Chirripo, the rehabilitation of a warehouse in Leesville, and the construction of a short section of track for direct access to the dock of Moin; and (ii) technical assistance to the Transport Ministry to support the concessions process of the terminals and transport system for Moin and Limon, including complementary analysis such as fine-tuning the Port Master Plan, developing a business plan for the port, and carrying out more detailed institutional analyses.

The project Costa Rica E-Government Modernization has changed to Dropped

2008-01-10T05:00:00.000Z

The project Costa Rica E-Government Modernization has changed to Dropped. To see more information, see the project information in the World Bank project database

Costa Rica: WB Approves $72.5 million to Revitalize the City-Port of Limon

2008-01-09T20:36:27.000Z

Contacts:

In Washington: Alejandro Cedeño (202) 473-3477

acedeno@worldbank.org

Cathy Russell (202) 458-8124

crussell@worldbank.org

WASHINGTON, January 9, 2008 -- The World Bank Board of Executive Directors yesterday approved a loan for Costa Rica in the amount of US$72.5 million to finance the revitalization of the city of Limon and to support the modernization of its port.

“With its historic center and unique Caribbean identity, Limon has great potential for tourism development but this is not being realized due to limitations in its urban planning and management capacity,” said Laura Frigenti, World Bank Director for Central America. “This loan will help the city of Limon to diversify its economy and to develop both tourism and trade in a sustainable manner, while creating a more livable environment for the city’s poorest inhabitants.”

While Costa Rica as a whole has an impressive development record, the Atlantic region is lagging behind, with one in five of its inhabitants living in poverty. The Atlantic port-city of Limon is one of the country’s most decayed cities and suffers from high unemployment and crime rates. The port of Limon, the busiest port in Central America after Panama, is critical to the competitiveness of Costa Rica’s trade, but has become a major bottleneck to the country’s growth due to lack of reform and inefficiency. The congestion in the port affects the city as heavy freight traffic has to pass through the city center to get to the Limon terminal.

The City-Port of Limon Project will help to address these challenges through support for actions in four key areas:

Urban and cultural revitalization: Investments focused on rescuing Limon’s unique cultural identity, while improving the city’s urban environment (sewerage, drainage, paving of streets) and attractiveness to visitors.
Local economic development: Activities to generate new sources of employment and income, seizing the opportunities presented by growing cruise tourism and the historical and cultural richness of Limon.
Local governance and city-port strategic planning: Technical assistance for the Municipality of Limon to improve its capacity to deliver quality services and to take an active role in the city’s development.
Support for improving the port environment: Actions to improve transport access to the Limon and Moín port terminals and technical assistance to the Transport Ministry to support the concessions process and transport system for Moín and Limon.

“The City-Port of Limon Project is part of the Government of Costa Rica’s regional development strategy for the Province of Limon, which also aims to address poverty and social problems,” said Emmanuel James, World Bank task manager for the project. “It has been designed to help develop the capacity of local and central governments to address the needs of lagging regions.”

This US$72.5 million fixed-spread loan from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) is payable in 15 years, including 5 years of grace.

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For more information on the City-Port of Limon Project, please visit:

http://web.worldbank.org/external/projects/main?pagePK=64283627&piPK=73230&theSitePK=295413&menuPK=295447&Projectid=P085539

For more information on the World Bank’s work in Costa Rica, please visit: http://www.worldbank.org/costarica

For more information, please visit the Projects website.

Costa Rica: City-Port of Limon Project

2008-01-08T23:07:19.000Z

IBRD Loan: USD$ 72.5 million

Terms: Maturity = 15 years; Grace = 5 years.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The project aims to revitalize the city of Limon in line with the Government’s Regional Development Strategy, and prepare the modernization of the port of Limon. More specifically, the project seeks to: (i) improve the protection and management of Limon’s cultural and natural heritage; (ii) increase access to the sewage system and reduce urban flooding in the area of Limoncito; (iii) create a more efficient, accountable and credible local government; (iv) create new employment opportunities through small and micro-enterprises; and (v) support the port modernization process and improve the railway access to the Moin port terminal.

For more information please call:

Stevan Jackson at (202) 458-5054 or e-mail Sjackson@worldbank.org

For project documents, please visit:

http://web.worldbank.org/external/projects/main?pagePK=64283627&piPK=73230&theSitePK=295413&menuPK=295446&Projectid=P085539

For more information, please visit the Projects website.

The project CR-ENDE Implementation is now in the pipeline.

2007-12-22T05:00:00.000Z

The project CR-ENDE Implementation is now in the pipeline. To see more information, see the project information in the World Bank project database

The project Umbrella Project for Renewable Energy Sources is now in the pipeline.

2007-10-25T04:00:00.000Z

The project Umbrella Project for Renewable Energy Sources is now in the pipeline. To see more information, see the project information in the World Bank project database

The project CR Equity and Efficiency of Education is now in the pipeline.

2007-10-25T04:00:00.000Z

The project CR Equity and Efficiency of Education is now in the pipeline. To see more information, see the project information in the World Bank project database

The Equity and Efficiency of Education Project for Costa Rica will: (i) reduce existing rural education gaps in primary education quality, equity, and internal efficiency; (ii) develop cost-effective strategies to increase access to, and improve the quality of, secondary education rural modalities; (iii) improve the impact of equity programs for low-income students; and (iv) enhance the efficiency of the education sector's institutional and economic resources allocated to the rural sector. The project has the following three components: Component 1) will finance the implementation of Annual Operational Subprojects (POA Subprojects) aimed at improving rural education attainment and institutional development. Component 2) will increase the capacity of the Ministry of Public Education (MEP) to reduce equity gaps by supporting activities to identify, reach and monitor the delivery of pertinent supply and demand education services to regions with low education indicators and students from low income households. Component 3) will improve the institutional capacity of the MEP through inter-departmental integration strategies and working alliances across central, regional and school organizations.

The project Ecomarkets Project is now in the pipeline.

2007-10-25T04:00:00.000Z

The project Ecomarkets Project is now in the pipeline. To see more information, see the project information in the World Bank project database

The project Port-City of Limon Integrated Infrastructure Project is now in the pipeline.

2007-10-25T04:00:00.000Z

The project Port-City of Limon Integrated Infrastructure Project is now in the pipeline. To see more information, see the project information in the World Bank project database

The project SUSTAINABLE CACAO PRODUCTION IN SOUTHEASTERN COSTA RICA (GEF-MSP) is now in the pipeline.

2007-10-25T04:00:00.000Z

The project SUSTAINABLE CACAO PRODUCTION IN SOUTHEASTERN COSTA RICA (GEF-MSP) is now in the pipeline. To see more information, see the project information in the World Bank project database

The project Ecomarkets Project is now in the pipeline.

2007-10-25T04:00:00.000Z

The project Ecomarkets Project is now in the pipeline. To see more information, see the project information in the World Bank project database

The Ecomarkets Project for Costa Rica aims to increase forest conservation by supporting the development of markets and private sector providers for environmental services supplied by privately owned forests including protection of biological diversity, greenhouse gas mitigation, and provision of hydrological services. The project has two components. The first supports committed expenditures for the government's Environmental Services Payments (ESP) program while long-term financing mechanisms for the program are developed and institutionalized. This financing permits the government to meet its long-term commitments to private landowners incorporated into the ESP program. The second component strengthens administration and field supervision of the ESP program. Resources will be used to improve the technical and administrative capacity of local nongovernmental organizations and private sector associations in providing field supervision, contract compliance, and preparation of technical and administrative manuals for forest conservation as well as assistance to individuals lacking land titles. Furthermore, this component will support organizational and technical strengthening of local women organizations to develop the capacity to promote natural resources management and to increase participation in the ESP program. Prospective activities include recompiling and systematizing the experiences of women farmers organizations as well as training rural women.

The project BIODIVERSITY RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT (GEF) is now in the pipeline.

2007-10-25T04:00:00.000Z

The project BIODIVERSITY RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT (GEF) is now in the pipeline. To see more information, see the project information in the World Bank project database

The project Agricultural Credit and Development Project is now in the pipeline.

2007-10-25T04:00:00.000Z

The project Agricultural Credit and Development Project is now in the pipeline. To see more information, see the project information in the World Bank project database

The project would provide credit to help finance on-farm investment for livestock and dairy development and annual and perennial crop production, and for the development of agroindustrial enterprises including the financing of machinery and equipment for companies or cooperatives doing contract work for farmers on land clearing, leveling, etc. The project would also finance (1) the construction of 26 seed storage facilities and 2 foundation seed warehouses; (2) the improvement of approximately 100 km of rural access roads in the county of Perez Zeledon which would establish a local office to carry out the work as a model for future such programs; and (3) the expansion and acquisition of equipment for the national agricultural extension service. Consultant services will be financed for a regional development study which will include preparation of an integrated rural development project.

The project Industrial Credit Project is now in the pipeline.

2007-10-25T04:00:00.000Z

The project Industrial Credit Project is now in the pipeline. To see more information, see the project information in the World Bank project database

The Industrial Credit Project's principal objective is to build an institutional capacity to select, appraise and supervise efficient export and import substitution projects. Medium and long term credit, which is in short supply, would be made available to financial intermediaries through FODEIN to finance fixed assets, permanent working capital and preinvestment studies. Financial intermediaries would receive incentives to lend to smaller enterprises for which FODEIN would also furnish a guarantee facility. The project faces no special risks, although close initial supervision may be required since the intitutional arrangements for project administration are new.

The project San Jose Urban Transport Project is now in the pipeline.

2007-10-25T04:00:00.000Z

The project San Jose Urban Transport Project is now in the pipeline. To see more information, see the project information in the World Bank project database

The objective of the proposed project is to improve travel conditions in San Jose, especially for users of public transport, primarily through the upgrading of existing transport infrastructure. This will be accomplished by the rehabilitation and widening of selected existing radial roads leading into the San Jose Central Business District (CBD); the construction of one new radial; the improvement of CBD intersections and selected streets to increase traffic bearing capacity in conjunction with the radial improvement program; and a new CBD traffic signal system. Special peak hour bus lanes and other features to facilitate bus traffic are incorporated into the design of the project. Equipment will be provided for road maintenance, traffic management and regulation enforcement and bus inspection, and training and technical assistance will be provided to improve local capacity to manage the program, continue improving public transport and plan for future growth of the city.

The project Structural Adjustment Loan Project (03) is now in the pipeline.

2007-10-25T04:00:00.000Z

The project Structural Adjustment Loan Project (03) is now in the pipeline. To see more information, see the project information in the World Bank project database

The project Telecommunications Project (05) is now in the pipeline.

2007-10-25T04:00:00.000Z

The project Telecommunications Project (05) is now in the pipeline. To see more information, see the project information in the World Bank project database

The objectives of the project are to meet part of anticipated demands for local, long distance, and international services in San Jose and other localities and maintain the present good quality of service. It consists of Stage V of ICE's expansion program comprising an increase in exchange capacity of about 65,000 lines; an expansion of long distance lines and facilities; an increase in the number of rural communities receiving telephone service from 500 at the end 1978 to 1,000 by the end of 1980; installation of either an earth satellite station or a submarine cable; expansion of telex and mobile telephone service and the improvement and expansion of training facilities. The project faces no special risks although there is the possibility of delay in installation of electronic exchanges with which ICE has had limited experience and which have to be adapted to the existing network, and in completion of widely scattered rural telephone systems.