Archives 2003

Geneva, Switzerland - January 28-29, 2004 - INTERNATIONAL AID & TRADE is a unique exhibition and conference that brings together senior representatives from the United Nations, Multilateral Development Banks, Government Agencies, and International and Non-Governmental Organizations. This year's focus is on the role of the private sector in the delivery of integrated aid and development solutions and includes special workshops covering the delivery of food aid, water & sanitation, security, medical care, transport & logistics, and communications technology. For more information on the event, visit: http://www.aidandtrade.com/iat/europe/ov.asp or contact Leigh Wolfrom, International Financing Division, DFAIT: tel: (613) 992-0747, email: leigh.wolfrom@international.gc.ca

Sectors of public reform and private sector development
Washington, DC - February 18-20, 2004
Registration deadline: 16 January 2004

The World Trade Centre Montréal, in partnership with Industry Canada and the Canadian Executive Offices of the Banks invite all companies, law firms, consultants and governmental organisations interested in developing collaborative and commercial partnerships in the fields of public sector reform and private sector development with the World Bank (WB), the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to take part on this trade mission.

For more information, go to:
http://www.ccmm.qc.ca/asp/contenu.asp...

Doing Business in 2004 constructs a new set of indicators to examine the business climate in more than 130 countries. The purpose of this study it to examine the regulatory environments that contribute to private sector development. The 130 countries are evaluated according to the procedures required to start a business, hire and fire workers, enforce contracts, get credit, and close a business.

The database can be accessed at:
http://rru.worldbank.org/doingbusiness/default.aspx

The Canada country 'page' is the first one in the World Bank's vast website dedicated exclusively to the Bank's relationship with a donor-member country. Created and maintained by the Canada Team in the Bank's External Affairs Vice-Presidency, the site is a unique communications tool for showcasing the development work of the World Bank and of Canada to broad constituencies and the interested public. Originally launched in the spring of 2002, the site was redesigned this summer to take account of experience gained in the first year and of improved software for keeping it up to date.

You are invited to visit the site at:
http://www.worldbank.org/canada.

If you wish to provide comments on the site, please use the feedback link available in the 'Canada Team' section of the site.'

The Rebuild Iraq 2004 exhibition (Mishref, Kuwait -- January 19-23, 2004 --) will connect international suppliers with the decision makers overseeing the rebuilding of that country. Arguably the largest project of its kind since the end of World War II, this undertaking will cost in excess of $100 billion over the next five years, with at least $50 billion worth of projects slated to be sub-contracted to U.S. and foreign firms.

Uniquely positioned to respond to this exceptional opportunity, the exhibition will bring together decision makers, specifiers, project owners and government bodies with manufacturers, suppliers and contractors. This event will be exhibiting a full range of infrastructure products, services and systems needed to rebuild Iraq. These include food, water, water infrastructure, hospital equipment, medicine, security equipment, environmental tools, oil-well and refinery repair and maintenance, oil and gas supplies, road and rail construction and development, air and sea port construction, schools, telecom and financial systems.

For more information on this event, see:
http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/canadexport/docs/active/view-en.asp?did=2884

The International Finance Corporation (IFC) is considering including human rights in its sustainable development safeguards (Environmental, Health and Safety Guidelines) This move could have implications for private sector banks that finance projects in developing countries. Earlier this year leading international project finance banks agreed to the Equator Principles. Under these principles, participating banks will require projects to comply with the Guidelines or justify any deviations from them.

For details, see:
http://www.wbcsd.org/plugins/DocSearch/details.asp

For more on the Equator Principles, see:
http://www.ifc.org/equatorprinciples

The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) is taking steps to modernize and enhance its procurement system for the acquisition of goods, works and consultant services. The IDB has engaged independent, third party reviews of its procedures, seeking recommendations to ensure its activities are consistent with best practices in the field of public procurement.

For details, see:
http://www.iadb.org/NEWS/Display/PRView.cfm?PR_Num=212_03

The Boards of Governors of the African Development Bank and the African Development Fund have approved a $10 million grant from the Government of Canada to finance an infrastructure project and program preparation facility of the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD). The grant's purpose is to strengthen the capacity of African institutions to formulate viable infrastructure projects to attract more public and private investment.

Sectors covered include information and communications technology, transport, energy, water and sanitation. Eligible types of activities include advisory or operational ones related to the preparation of projects and programs in infrastructure development within the framework of the NEPAD.

For details, see:
http://www.afdb.org/knowledge/pressreleases2003/adb_65_2003e.htm

For more on the Canada Fund for Africa, see:
http://www.acdi-cida.gc.ca/canadafundforafrica

If you need to know more about private participation in infrastructure projects, check out the Private Participation in Infrastructure database from the World Bank.

The PPI database tracks infrastructure projects with private investment in the energy, telecommunications, transport, and water and sewage sectors in low- and middle-income countries. Around 30 project information fields such as country, sector and type of private participation can be used to sort the information and to download standard or custom reports.

The database is at:
http://rru.worldbank.org/PPI

The Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) issued close to US$1.4 billion in guarantee coverage during the fiscal year that ended June 30, 2003. The coverage was for 37 projects, a 12 percent increase over the previous year. In dollar terms, the amount guaranteed was only marginally higher. MIGA has continued to increase its focus on low-income countries. Eight projects were in Africa, 12 involved investors from developing countries, and 10 were investments in small and medium-size enterprises. Fifteen of the projects were in conflict-affected countries.

If that's where you do business, you need to know about MIGA. Check out:
http://www.miga.org

The World Bank has pledged US$ 570 million for Afghanistan, but it may deliver as much as US$ 600 million from January 2002 to June 2004. The initial World Bank-financed projects are focussed on addressing urgent financial management and public administration needs, as well as investment funding for education, infrastructure rehabilitation, job creation, health, and private sector development.

Afghanistan now has an average of only two telephones per 1,000 people, among the lowest coverage in the world. Recent Bank financing will support an Emergency Telecommunications Project to assist in developing a government communications network linking ministries in Kabul with the provinces.

For more information on the World Bank's activities in Afghanistan, visit:
http://www.worldbank.org/af

Consultants are vital for technical inputs to ADB's operations. ADB spends annually about $127 million for consulting services under its Technical Assistance budgets, of which about $47 million for individual consultants. To improve efficiency in using financial resources for consulting services, the Management has approved, on 30 October, a market-based remuneration system for international-independent-individual consultants.

The new system is based on the principles of a) remuneration based on the Market, b) remuneration linked to the assignment, and c) qualifications matched to job level. It considers 3 factors in determining consultants' remunerations: i) expertise required for the assignment, ii) job responsibility level, and iii) qualification.

The Inter-American Development Bank Group is currently organizing a high-level conference on investment climate, titled "Public-Private Summit on Investment Climate," which will take place on December 4th, 2003, at the Inter-American Development Bank's headquarters in Washington, DC.

More information on the conference is also available on the web at http://www.iadb.org/invclimate. To confirm your participation, or if you need additional information, you can email invclimate@iadb.org or contact Mr. Christian Ruehling (phone: 1-202-623-1908; fax: 1-202-623-2307).

The African Development Bank (AfDB) is sending three of its experts on a mission to Canada to conduct a series of seminars on "How to Do Business with the AfDB". The Bank experts will successively visit the cities of Winnipeg, Regina, Calgary, Vancouver from November 24 to December 1, 2003.

For more information and register in these seminars, go to:
http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/canadexport/

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) recently appointed a Special Project Facilitator as part of its new accountability mechanism to address concerns of persons affected by ADB-assisted projects. The new mechanism consists of a consultation phase and a compliance review phase. The first is to assist project-affected people through informal, consensus-based methods such as consultative dialogue or mediation. The Special Project Facilitator will be responsible for the consultation phase, designed to provide a forum in which project-affected people can air complaints against the ADB. Mr. Nalin P. Samarasingha, a former ADB staffer and University of Manitoba engineering graduate, is expected to take up the position in late November 2003.

For more information, see:
http://www.adb.org/Documents/News/2003/nr2003148.asp

The UN and the World Bank recently created an International Reconstruction Fund Facility for Iraq. The purpose of the Facility is to coordinate a trust fund mechanism for reconstruction and development in Iraq, in line with the priority areas in the UN-World Bank joint needs assessment. The summer 2003 assessment estimated that it would take US$56 billion rebuild Iraq. The Facility will comprise two independent trust funds, one managed by the World Bank and the other by the UN.

For information on the World Bank's activities in Iraq, see:
http://www.worldbank.org/iq

For the latest updates on Iraq reconstruction, see:
http://www.developmentgateway.org/node/481546/?

An article was published in CanadExport on-line on November 6. Roger Couture had the following message for Canadian businesses: the African Development Bank (AfDB) offers excellent opportunities on a continent in need of Canadian expertise. Couture should know: he's been Canada's Executive Director at the AfDB for the past six years. Having retired from his post in September, Couture spoke to CanadExport about how changing trends and reforms at the Bank are making it more attractive for Canadians engaged in a variety of sectors to do business with the AfDB. He also offers some basic do's and don't's for success.

To read this excellent article, go to:
http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/canadexport

The hot topic around the World Bank lately is infrastructure. In a major shift, the World Bank recently approved a new Infrastructure Action Plan that acknowledges that reliance on private sector financing for infrastructure is not sufficient. The new Plan is designed to work on infrastructure service delivery along the entire spectrum of public and private involvement.

For more information, including the Action Plan, see:
http://www.worldbank.org/infrastructure

The Bank recently announced an initiative to help developing countries improve trade-related infrastructure such as ports, roads and customs facilities. For more information, see:
http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/NEWS....

Many governments have turned to the private sector for infrastructure services, but few have disclosed the terms under which they operate. What strategies could be used to accelerate disclosure in developing countries? How much transparency is enough? What role should international financial institutions play?

For the latest on-line discussion on "Transparency in Infrastructure Contracts & Licenses," go to:
http://rru.worldbank.org/Hot_Topics.asp.

The World Bank's "World Development Report 2004: Making Services Work for Poor People" argues that improvements in human welfare will not occur unless poor people receive wider access to affordable, better quality services in health, education, water, sanitation, and electricity. The report provides examples of where services do work. The main difference between success and failure is the degree to which poor people themselves are involved in determining the quality and the quantity of the services they receive.

For more on the World Development Report, see:
http://econ.worldbank.org/wdr/wdr2004/

You can find sources of investment finance on IPAnet. It describes government and multilateral sources, listed both globally and regionally. The Investment Promotion Network (IPAnet) is an international investment-specific website providing free access to online foreign investment and privatization resources. It was established as part of the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency's mandate to enhance foreign direct investment in developing regions.

Take a look at:
http://www.ipanet.com/ilink/drilldown.cfm?Menu_chosen=...

The World Bank has recently published "A Guide to the World Bank," a reference to the five institutions that make up the World Bank Group. It explains how and why loans are made, and describes Bank operations, policies, projects, and procedures. An introduction to the Bank's information resources is designed to help you navigate the documents, statistics and reports that are available on line and in print.

The Guide is for sale at:
http://publications.worldbank.org/ecommerce/catalog/product?item_id=1755696

There have been some recent staff changes at the Office of Liaison with International Financial Institutions (OLIFI) in Washington. These redeployments are part of DFAIT's Enhanced Representation Initiative which aims to enhance Canada's overall representation in the US. It is with regret that these reductions in Washington had to be made, but they were necessary in the short term to permit deployment of additional resources to regions and programs needing additional coverage in the longer term. Partner departments within the Government of Canada are joining in the overall initiative, specifically Industry Canada and Agriculture and Agrifood Canada.

The Trade Commissioner Service is committed to continuing to assist and support Canadian clients win contracts with, and through, the IFIs. While there have been some organizational changes, OLIFI Washington will continue to service client inquiries and visits as they have in the past. The IFIWashington website will continue to present the most up-to-date information on working with the banks and Bank-related opportunities will continue to be posted on the MERX domestic procurement database. While there may be some changes in the way in which outreach in Canada is carried out, OLIFI Washington will work closely with the Canadian Executive Director's Offices at the IFIs to ensure the needs of Canadian clients are met.

OLIFI Washington will be staffed by Julie Wallace, Business Development Officer, and Julie Mann, Program Assistant. Stéphane Charbonneau, former Director of OLIFI Washington, is assuming a new post as Consul and Senior Trade Commissioner in Munich, Germany.

Canada's CDM & JI Office will host a one-day workshop on November 6th, 2003 in Toronto, designed to provide financial institutions and investment fund managers with a better understanding of the specific issues pertaining to financing greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction projects.

The purpose of this workshop is to:

• Increase knowledge of CDM and JI within the financial sector;
• Raise awareness of the role of Canada's CDM & JI Office; and
• Promote understanding of financial issues pertaining to GHG emission reduction projects.

Presentations will be delivered by representatives from carbon brokerage and law firms, banks, the World Bank, large industrial emitters and the federal government.

Registration deadline: October 24, 2004. Register early to ensure your seat!

For further information or to register, please contact Amanda Bullen at (613) 944-0524 or amanda.bullen@international.gc.ca

Additional information about the CDM and JI can be found on the CDM & JI Office website at:
http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/cdm-ji/events-en.asp

Thanks to the new agreement between the Forum francophone des affaires (FFA) and the Forum Ontario Francophonie Mondiale (FOFM), we are offering you a one-time chance to discover, initiate or pursue business opportunities in Cameroon, where 400 African businessmen will converge for networking purposes at the Mondial Afrique. You can optimise your trip to the region by choosing one additional destination: Gabon, the heart of all African riches and resources.

For further details on the mission, including the itinerary, target sectors, business opportunities, partners and service packages available, as well as the prices and selection criteria, please contact Mrs Isabelle M'Bengue at (514) 849-4572 extension 228. You can also visit us at www.ffacnc.qc.ca/cameroun-gabon (information available in French only).

Are you developing market entry strategies in Africa? The World Bank's Statistics in Africa site brings together a variety of useful information resources. There's a breakdown of household characteristics and spending patterns in the Africa Household Survey Databank. The site also provides indicators, maps, and data of all sorts available in one central location.

See: http://www4.worldbank.org/afr/stats/default.cfm

If you are interested in Islamic banking and finance, look at the Harvard Islamic Finance Information Program iDatabank. It's a comprehensive collection of information updated from libraries, Internet sources, and hundreds of institutions in the Islamic financial field.

The Databank is available through Development Gateway at:
http://www.developmentgateway.org//trade/dg-contribute/item-detail?item_id=334358

The Earth Science Sector of Natural Resources Canada will be visiting India and Thailand from November 9-18, 2003 to advance Canadian business interests. The mission will visit Delhi, Agra, Hyderbad and Bangkok. For further information on this business development mission, please contact ESS India-Thailand Office by phone at (613) 995-3847 or by e-mail at india-thailand@nrcan.gc.ca . Registration deadline is October 31, 2003.

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) flows have dropped drastically and no rebound is expected in 2003. Want to know why? Read the new "World Investment Report 2003" from UNCTAD (United Nations Conference on Trade and Development). It focusses on the FDI downturn and the role of national policies and international investment agreements to attract FDI and benefit from it.

You can download the report from:
http://www.unctad.org/Templates/WebFlyer.asp?intItemID=2412&lang=1

The World Bank offers over 30 free electronic newsletters on development topics. Subjects range from Bank activities and project loans to sector and region-specific updates. You can get a daily press review, customized investment information, or the latest research on privatization.

To subscribe, see:
http://www.worldbank.org/subscriptions/

Learn more about Asia by reading the Asian Development Bank's recently published statistical data book: "Key Indicators of Developing Asian and Pacific Countries 2003." There are 38 regional tables of socioeconomic and financial indicators for 40 developing member countries of the ADB. There's even 18 years of data available on-line in Excel format.

Check it out at:
http://www.adb.org/Documents/Books/Key_Indicators/2003

Are you serious about doing business in the Americas? If so, check out the latest on corporate social responsibility (CSR) in the region.

There will be an Inter-American Conference on CSR entitled "CSR as a Tool for Competitiveness" in Panama City on October 26-28. This follows the CSR Americas Conference held in Miami in 2002, which responded to a government mandate during the 2001 Summit of the Americas in Quebec City.

For more information, or to read the proceedings of the 2002 conference, see:
http://www.iadb.org/csramericas/iaccsr_home.html

Developed by Industry Canada's Service Industry Branch with the assistance of a leading international procurement specialist, the Canadian Bar Association (CBA), the Canadian Association of Management Consultants (CAMC) and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAIT), this Roadmap provides Canadian management consulting and legal service providers, in particular SMEs, with a user-friendly, up-to-date, step-by-step tool for the effective pursuit of the growing contractual opportunities in this particular domain with the Multilateral Development Banks and UN markets.

For more information see:
http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/ridb-ml

Calling on all entrepreneurs interested in reaching new markets in Asia and Latin America to join the 31st trade mission to the World Bank (WB), the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in Washington, DC on November 5 and 6, 2003.

This trade mission is organized by the World Trade Centre Montréal in partnership with Industry Canada and the Canadian Executive Offices at the Banks.

Increase your chances of success on international markets:

• Learn the ABC's of tackling international financial institutions in these regions.
• Get the tips you need to make it on their short lists.
• Discover how to prepare winning bids.
• Join bank experts for roundtable discussions on projects, needs and innovations specific to these regions.
• Hear how one Canadian company achieved success in these markets.
• Continue to grow your business network across Asia and Latin America.

Number of places are limited to 20 participants to insure quality meetings.

For more information please visit our web site at:
www.ccmm.qc.ca/MDBs

Effective Bidding is crucial for Canadian companies interested in increasing their success ratios on multilateral funded contracts.

This full day seminar will offer two training modules: (1) Partnering for Success and (2) Writing Successful Consulting Proposals.

Each module will run 3 hours including time for a Q&A session. It will be separated by a one-hour networking lunch and will feature a VIP testimonial speaker.

The seminars will be in Winnipeg, October 27th; Regina, October 28th and Calgary, October 29th.

For further information on these important seminars, please go to:
http://www.cme-mec.ca/events.asp?l=EN&div=NAT&id=1163#CMEsh_ed

In recent months, five excellent articles about financing International Development Projects and mitigating risks have been published in CanadExport, DFAIT's business magazine targeted to Canadian exporters. Here are the links for these articles:

1. EDC PRI Program for emerging markets: Protecting investors, stimulating exports
   http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/canadexport/docs/active/view-en.asp
2. Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) JBIC rural electrification project in Peru: New frontier for Dessau-Soprin
   http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/canadexport/docs/active/view-en.asp
   or
   http://www.infoexport.gc.ca/ifinet/success/dessau-jbic-e.htm
3. Opportunities for Partnerships in Third-Country markets with JICA
   http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/canadexport/docs/active/view-en.asp
4. MIGA: Mitigating risk for private-sector investment in developing countries
   http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/canadexport/docs/active/view-en.asp?did=2702
5. The European Investment Bank: An untapped source of financing for Canadian exporters
   http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/canadexport/docs/active/view-en.asp

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is reviewing its disclosure and information policies and is seeking public input. The ADB currently makes hundreds of documents available on its website.

How can they improve the provision of information about operations? What changes should be made to the current policies?

If you have an opinion, let the ADB know by November 14. Comments received will be placed on the ADB's web site to promote transparency and informed debate.

See: http://www.adb.org/Disclosure/default.asp

The Canadian Society for International Health (CSIH) is inviting you to the 10th Canadian Conference on International Health (CCIH) that will be held in Ottawa, October 26-29, 2003! The theme of this year's conference is "The Right to Health: Influencing the Global Agenda: How Research, Advocacy and Action can shape our future." The Conference offers participants a unique professional development experience via plenary sessions, hands-on workshops and networking lunches, receptions, and dinners.

To consult the preliminary program and register, go to:
http://www.csih.org/what/conferences2003.html

The IVth AFRICAN MEETINGS "FIED' 2003", is the annual decision makers forum on Business Intelligence, Communication and Information Technologies and the durable Development. It gathers each year, a large panel of experts in Business Intelligence and Development, political and economic decision makers and the civil society. It's an annual meeting of several decision makers, International and African organizations, Intellectuals and eminent African, Europeans and International experts managers of all branches in industry.

FIED''2003 is a forum of decision makers The forum will analyse all the viable and operational strategies for better directing the development of the African continent, the AU (African Union), the NEPAD issues ,World trade and information society. The Forum will be retransmitted by satellite on all the network of the World Bank (Africa, Europe, Americas, etc...). It will be held from November 27th to November 29th 2003 at the European head office of the World Bank located 66, Avenue of IENA Paris 16eme.

For further information and Registration please go to:
www.sopel.org or www.sopel.org/fied

Effective September 15, 2003, Mr. François Arsenault is Canada's new Executive Director at the AfDB. Mr. Arsenault is succeeding to Mr. Roger Couture who has been working in that capacity for the last six years.

Mr. Arsenault joined the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) in 1973. Since 1995, he has served as the Corporate Secretary at the Office of the President at CIDA headquarters. During his career with CIDA, he served as Director for the International Humanitarian Assistance Division (1988-1991), as a special assignment manager for the Evaluation Division (1983-1985), as a director for the Haiti and Dominican Republic Programs (1981-1983), and in the same capacity for the Colombia & Ecuador Programs (1979-1981). He also served with CIDA as a Deputy Director, Central America Programs (1977-1979), as a Technical Assistance Officer for Latin America (1975-1977) and as a Recruiting Officer (1973-1975). Mr. Arsenault also has work experience in Africa, as he served for CIDA as Councillor for Development Cooperation at the Canadian Embassy in Yaoundé, Cameroon (1985-1988), and worked as a high school teacher for three years with the Canadian University Services Overseas (CUSO) in Mali before joining CIDA. He also had the opportunity to serve as a Senior Foreign Policy Advisor for the Privy Council Office, Government of Canada , from 1992 to 1995.

Mr. Arsenault looks forward to representing the interests of Canada at the AfDB.

• François Arsenault
  Executive Director
  African Development Bank
  Representing Canada/China/Korea/Spain/Kuwait
  Temporary Relocation Agency (TUNIS)
  15 Ghana Street
  Corner of Hedi Nouira and Pierre de Coubertin Streets
  BP. 323,
  1012 Tunis Belvedere
  Tunisia
  Tel: (216) 71-10-20-21
  Fax: (216) 71-83-32-04
  E-mail: f.arsenault@afdb.org
• Françoise Kouassi
  Secretary to the Executive Director
  Tel: (216) 71.10.28.21
  Fax: (216) 71.83.32.04
  E-mail: f.kouassi@afdb.org

Effective September 8, 2003, Mr. Éric Pelletier (Master's Degree in Finance, Laval University, 1997) is the new Canadian Liaison with the African Development Bank (AfDB). Éric joined the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade in 1997. From 1999 to 2002, he served in Moscow, as attaché and Vice-Consul. In Ottawa, he undertook assignments in the China and Mongolia Division, in the Financial Services Division, in the Consular Affairs Bureau, in the Assignment Division, and in the Audit Division. Éric looks forward to supporting your marketing efforts related to AfDB activities.

Éric Pelletier
Liaison Officer with the African Development Bank
Canadian Embassy in Tunis
P.O. Box 31,
1002 Tunis-Belvédère, Tunisia
Tel.: (216) 71-104-134
Fax: (216) 71-104-193
E-mail: eric.pelletier@international.gc.ca

Montreal, October 1, 2003
Halifax, October 2, 2003
Toronto, October 3, 2003

Don't miss your chance to meet with high-profile Canadian representatives posted at the three largest multilateral development banks (MDBs) as they travel through Eastern Canada to present the business opportunities related to the projects their respective organisations fund each year.

Registration deadline: September 24, 2003

For further information and Registration please visit or web site at:
www.ccmm.qc.ca/seminar_mdb

The range of human development in the world is vast and uneven, with astounding progress in some areas amidst stagnation and decline in others. The world is facing an acute development crisis, with many poor nations suffering severe and continuing socio-economic reversals, warns the Human Development Report 2003.

The Report's annual Human Development Index, measuring the progress of nations on key social and economic indicators, shows that 21 countries experienced declines in the 1990s. In the 1980s, only four countries showed similar decade-long declines.

You can read the report online at:
http://www.undp.org/hdr2003/

The World Bank recently re-launched a new fund to help finance projects to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions in poor countries.

The Community Development Carbon Fund is intended to provide financial support to small-scale emission reduction projects under the Clean Development Mechanism of the 1997 Kyoto Protocol. Commitments of US$35 million from public and private sector participants were announced as part of a US$100 million package. The communities involved will get development dollars, and participants in the fund will receive credits for reductions in carbon emissions.

For more information on the Fund see:
http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/NEWS/0

See also the World Bank's Carbon Finance webpage:
http://carbonfinance.org/

The International Finance Corporation (IFC) is the private sector arm of the World Bank. A large chunk of IFC financing is channelled to private sector projects in developing countries through intermediaries. Working through intermediaries allows IFC to extend its long-term finance to more companies, in particular to small and medium sized enterprises and micro finance entrepreneurs.

Examples of support for intermediaries include credit and equity lines to banks for lending to local companies, investment and venture capital funds to help channel funds to companies that large investors usually do not notice, and support for leasing companies.

To learn more see:
http://www2.ifc.org/proserv/products/intermediary/intermediary.html

Calling all environment sector businesses! Mark October 9 and 10 in your calendar for a rare opportunity to connect with representatives of the major multilateral development banks all in one place.

The 6th Annual Business Opportunities Seminar with the Multilateral Development Banks will be held inSan Antonio, Texas. The Asian Development Bank, the Inter-American Development Bank, the North American Development Bank, and the World Bank will all be there to talk about procurement and contracting opportunities for contractors, suppliers and consultants.

For more information or to register see:
http://www.nadbank.org/english/News_Updates/MDB-Seminar.pdf

Effective September 1 2003, Francis Uy is the new Canadian Liaison to the Asian Development Bank (ADB). Francis studied Industrial Engineering at the University of Toronto and worked for Bell Canada before joining the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service in 1989. He has had assignments in Sydney, Australia; Minneapolis, Minnesota; and was most recently the Senior Trade Commissioner at the Canadian Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. At the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade in Ottawa, he has had assignments at the Advanced Technology Division, the China and Mongolia Desk, and the Export Development Division. Francis looks forward to supporting your Canadian marketing efforts on ADB related activities.

His co-ordinates are as follows:

Canadian Embassy
P.O. Box 2168
1261 Makati Post Office
Manila, Philippines
Tel: 011-632-867-0131
Fax: 011-632-810-1699
Mr. Francis Uy
Commercial Counsellor, Liaison with the ADB
francis.uy@international.gc.ca

Thinking about Africa? A new publication from the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) spotlights the opportunities.

Shedding New Light on Africa's Investment Opportunities summarizes new research conducted by MIGA and the International Trade Centre on export-oriented direct investment opportunities arising from the new tariff privileges accorded to African countries.

You can read the report online at: http://www.ipanet.com/documents/africa_newlight.pdf

There's a new, easy-to-use database of links to over 120 sources of infrastructure contracts and licenses. The World Bank's Infrastructure Contracts and Licenses Database provides links to government and regulatory agency websites in developing countries that contain the main instruments (contracts and licenses) used to regulate the provision of infrastructure services.

The data base is at:
http://rru.worldbank.org/contracts/

The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) will run a business seminar on Financing Private and Public Infrastructure Projects on September 25 and 26 at its Washington, DC headquarters.

Topics include project financing options for large infrastructure projects via the IDB public sector and IDB loans and guarantees for privately owned projects in the energy, transportation, telecommunications, and water and sanitation sectors. Also covered will be financing from the Multilateral Investment Fund and the Inter-American Investment Corporation.

For details see: http://www.iadb.org/exr/bs/

If you are in the environment business, mark September 2-12 in your calendar. You may want to join the Trade Team Canada Environment mission to Mexico.

The mission will focus on Canadian environmental solutions, including those related to climate change, and will present the opportunity to learn more about the environmental activities of the various Multilateral Development Banks active in Mexico, including the World Bank Group, the Inter-American Development Bank, and the North American Development Bank. Planned around Enviro-Pro in Mexico City, the largest environmental trade show in Mexico, the mission will also visit Monterrey and Guadalajara and should lead to exciting commerical opportunities for Canadian companies.

For more information see:
http://ttc-environment.ic.gc.ca/epic/

After nine years as Canada's Executive Director at the Asian Development Bank, Julian Payne has retired . Effective August 11th, Emile Gauvreau will be Canada's new Executive Director at the ADB.

Mr. Gauvreau joined the Canadian International Development Agency in 1973 after working as a professor of economics at the University of Rwanda. He subsequently served in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, and, in 1988 became High Commissioner to Bangladesh and Ambassador to Myanmar, and, in 2001 became Ambassador to Cote d'Ivoire. At CIDA headquarters, he spent a number of years managing African programs, becoming Regional Director for Equatorial Africa in 1981, then Director General for the Sahel region in 1982, and Director General for Industrial Co-operation in 1984. In 1995, he served as Director General, Strategic Planning and Management for the Americas Branch. He also served as Vice-President, Africa and Middle East in 1997.

The Office of Liaison with International Financial Institutions (OLIFI) has prepared a market brief on "Opportunities for Canadian Companies in IFI-Financed Water and Sanitation Projects". The report provides an overview of the current and future priorities of the Washington-based IFIs and is designed to help companies identify opportunities. The market brief should be of interest to Canadian companies active in the water and sanitation sector with expertise in:

• water quality
• wastewater treatment
• sustainable infrastructure
• water and environmental resources management
• project management

The market brief is available on the InfoExport web site:
http://www.infoexport.gc.ca/ie-en/DisplayDocument.jsp?did=30329 .

If you are planning some direct investment (FDI) in a country that has recently experienced conflict, read the latest report from the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA).

MIGA in Conflict-Affected Countries reviews MIGA's experience in facilitating new FDI into countries emerging from periods of civil strife, with case studies on several countries such as Bosnia, Mozambique and Guatemala. FDI can have a strong, positive impact on rebuilding conflict-affected countries, bringing much-needed private capital, technology, and new skills, and stimulating local spin-off industries.

To read the report online see:
http://www.miga.org/screens/pubs/brochure/postconflict/pc_brochure.htm

If your business has anything to do with trees, you may want to share your opinions with the Asian Development Bank on its draft Forestry Policy. Comments and suggestions are welcome until August 31.

To read the working paper and send comments, see:
http://www.adb.org/Documents/Reports/Forest_Policy/default.asp

The World Bank is revising its guidelines for consultant procurement. The proposed revisions are aimed at harmonizing with other multilateral development banks, simplifying procedures to allow more flexibility, and modernizing policies, including the use of new technologies such as electronic procurement. You have until September 8 to comment on the revisions.

See: http://www.worldbank.org/html/opr/procure/guidechanges.html

Investing in Afghanistan just got a whole lot easier. Improving power, roads, telecommunications, industry, tourism, and agriculture are all part of the country's efforts to rebuild.

Afghanistan took the final step to secure its membership in the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) with its subscription to the agency's capital base on June 16. The membership allows MIGA to provide political risk insurance for investments going into and out of Afghanistan, as well as to help the country develop its ability to attract investment.

MIGA provides coverage against the risks of transfer restriction, expropriation, breach of contract, and war and civil disturbance (including terrorism). You can read about MIGA in CanadExport Online at:
http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/canadexport/docs/active/view-en.asp?did=2702

For more on MIGA in Afghanistan, see:
http://www.miga.org/screens/news/press/070303.htm

Canada's Office of Liaison with Financial Institutions (OLIFI) has prepared a report on Afghan reconstruction. See:
http://www.infoexport.gc.ca/ie-en/DisplayDocument.jsp?did=12684

Please note that responsibility for CIDA's Renaissance Eastern Europe Program (REE) has been transferred from the Agency's Central and Eastern Europe Branch to the Industrial Cooperation Program (CIDA-INC) of Canadian Partnership Branch. The name Renaissance Eastern Europe Program disappears, and the program will now be managed by the Eastern Europe and Central Asia Bureau of the Industrial Cooperation Program. With this change, the funding mechanisms and formula of CIDA-INC will now apply to projects in Central and Eastern Europe.

For more information go to:
http://www.acdi-cida.gc.ca/cida_ind.nsf/vall/DCOpenDocument#2

Do you want to know how other Canadian companies have succeeded in the International Development Business Market? IFInet's Success Stories can provide you with helpful hints on how to be successful.

The section has been restructured in order to ease your ability to navigate through the close to 30 stories now online. You can access the stories by region, by institution, or by sector.

To access the restructured section, go to:
http://www.infoexport.gc.ca/ifinet/success/success-e.htm

The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the UN Development Program (UNDP) have introduced standard language to be included in all UNDP project documents for new projects financed with IDB loan or grant resources. The UNDP and the IDB cooperate on a variety of social and economic development projects in the Americas.

You can read the new agreement at: http://www.iadb.org/NEWS/DOcs/IDBUNDP.pdf

The World Bank Group will now combine concessional and private sector financing to promote small business growth in Sub-Saharan Africa. This is the first time the Bank has taken a coordinated, large-scale, multi-country approach to private-sector development. This approach combines the resources of the Bank's concessional lending arm, the International Development Association, with those of its private sector affiliate, the International Finance Corporation (IFC).

Different approaches will be shared to design comprehensive country-specific initiatives consistent with World Bank and IFC strategies and programs in Africa. The total program size will be US$225 million over three to four years.

For more details see:
http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/NEWS

The United Nations Secretary-General has appointed Canadian Nigel Fisher as the Executive Director of the United Nations Office for Project Services. Mr. Fisher has over 20 years experience within the United Nations (UN) system including as the Regional Director for the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) in South Asia and most recently as the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General in Afghanistan. UNOPS is the project management arm of the UN system that manages development and humanitarian projects of other UN agencies. In the field of development, UNOPS is the largest service provider in the UN system, working on behalf of more than 30 UN departments and organizations.

For more information on UNOPS, visit their website at:
www.unops.org
or DFAIT's Fact Sheet on supplying UNOPS at:
www.infoexport.gc.ca/ifinet/un/unops-e.htm

If you do any business with the World Bank, you will want to look at the revised procurement guidelines, available online after July 15, 2003. These are the rules governing procurement of goods and works for the execution of World Bank financed projects. This is where you find out all the details of the international competitive bidding process and other procurement methods.

You can order the guidelines free of charge from the website or view them online at:
http://www.worldbank.org/html/opr/procure/propage.html

While Sub-Saharan Africa saw a dramatic drop in foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows for 2002, much of the change can be explained by several large, one-off transactions in 2001, the global economic and investment slowdown, and geopolitical uncertainty in certain countries. FDI in the region is projected to increase in the next few years. The Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency is helping to improve the investment climate there. It has provided technical assistance to nearly 20 of the region's investment promotion agencies.

For more information on MIGA's activities in Africa, see:
http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/NEWS/0,

The Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA) in Iraq has recently launched a new website to keep the public informed about its work. The site includes fact sheets on Iraqi Ministries including their priorities and contacts and has begun to list commercial opportunities and business information.

To access the site, go to:
http://www.cpa-iraq.org/

To help you learn more about its private sector operations, the African Development Bank has recently issued a brochure on the subject. The Bank gives priority to financial sector operations and to infrastructure-related projects (especially those involving public-private partnerships). It also supports programs designed to help the development of small and medium-sized enterprises and privatization projects.

The brochure is online at:
http://www.afdb.org/knowledge/publications/pdf/opsd_brochure

For additional insight into the Bank, see the "Strategic Plan 2003-2007" at:
http://www.afdb.org/knowledge/publications/pdf/adb_strategic_plan

Looking for a partner? The UN Development Business's "Business Directory" is now online. The Directory lists the websites of companies involved in international business, and can be used to locate partners for business opportunities.

For details, see:
http://www.devbusiness.com/directory.cfm

The World Bank recently launched its "e-Library," an online, fully cross-searchable portal of over 1,200 Bank titles, including new books as they are published. The e-Library is a commercial, subscription-based research and reference tool designed for libraries and large businesses.

To try out a trial subscription, see:
http://pippo.worldbank.catchword.org/vl=6473840/cl=37/nw=1/rpsv/home.htm

If you provide energy services, take some time out to watch a recent World Bank video, "Delivering Modern Energy Services for Urban Africa - Status, Trends and Opportunities for Commercially Sustainable Interventions." Energy experts from the Bank and African research networks discuss the growing energy consumption rates in Sub-Saharan Africa and highlight trends and identify opportunities for the private sector and development agencies.

To view the video online see:
http://www.worldbank.org/wbi/B-SPAN/sub_energy_africa.htm

For the latest information on foreign direct investment (FDI) promotion, check out UNCTAD's worldwide survey of investment promotion agencies. It covers trends and prospects for FDI, including the rise of more targeted promotion campaigns.

See: http://r0.unctad.org/en/subsites/dite/docs/rnote031405.pdf

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a new Accountability Mechanism to address concerns of people affected by ADB-assisted projects. The new Mechanism changes how complaints and alleged policy violations will be handled. It consists of a consultation phase and a compliance review phase, and will come into effect by the end of November 2003.

For details, see:
http://www.adb.org/Documents/News/2003/nr2003071.asp

At its Annual Meetings of 2-4 June 2003, the African Development Bank decided to operate from its temporary relocation site of Tunis (Tunisia) until the summer 2005, at the minimum. The Bank re-iterated that its Headquarters remain in Abidjan (Côte d'Ivoire). It will evaluate each year, at its Annual meetings, if conditions permit a return to Côte d'Ivoire in the following year. The Bank considers that a one year prior notice is necessary to ensure an orderly return to Headquarters; the decision whether or not to bring operations back to Abidjan at the summer 2005 will then be made in June 2004.

Bank operations have gradually been transferred to Tunis as of February 2003, in response to the deterioration of the safety situation in Côte d'Ivoire. The scope of this relocation was such that the majority of the approximately 1000 employees of the Bank could only integrate their Tunis offices in April-May 2003. All Bank operations have now resumed and the decision made at the Annual meetings will facilitate the planning of activities for the next few years.

In response to this relocation, the Office of liaison with the AfDB has also moved from Abidjan to Tunis. Therefore, it is now the Trade section at the Canadian Embassy in Tunis that offers the services of the OLIFI. Mr. Éric Pelletier will join the team of the trade section in early September 2003 as assistant trade commissioner and liaison officer with the AfDB.

Contacts of the AfDB Temporary Relocation Agency in Tunis and more information are available on the Bank's website: www.afdb.org .

In March 2003, CIDA increased its funding to the Canadian Technical Cooperation Fund at the Caribbean Development Bank ( www.caribank.org )by CAD $2 million for the Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF) program.

The purpose of the BNTF portion of the Fund is to permit the CDB access to specialized consultancy services. These services will focus on increasing capacity in areas such as gender equality, community participation, results-based management and environmental assessment.

Additional information on the BNTF program is available at:
http://www.caribank.org/BNTF.nsf/bntfframe2?OpenFrameSet

In recent weeks, three excellent articles about International Development Projects have been published in CanadExport, DFAIT's business magazine targeted to Canadian exporters. Here are the links for these articles:

1. Opportunities for Partnerships in Third-Country markets with JICA
2. MIGA: Mitigating risk for private-sector investment in developing countries
3. The European Investment Bank: An untapped source of financing for Canadian exporters

If your business is the environment, you now have another resource for finding information on business opportunities and financing. Industry Canada's Environmental Affairs Branch has published "A Practical Guide to Business Opportunities Generated by Multilateral Environmental Agreements." This guide explains the funding mechanisms behind these agreements and how you can take advantage of this source of project finance.

See the report at:
http://ttc-environment.ic.gc.ca/epic/internet/inenva.nsf/

Ten of the world's leading banks recently adopted the "Equator Principles," a voluntary set of guidelines developed by the banks for managing social and environmental issues related to the financing of development projects.

Together, these banks underwrote approximately US$14.5 billion in project loans in 2002, representing about 30 percent of the project loan market globally. The Equator Principles are based on the policies and guidelines of the World Bank and the International Finance Corporation.

For more information see:
http://equatorprinciples.ifc.org/ifcext/equatorprinciples.nsf

NEPAD Business Monitor (NBM) is a newsletter service containing objective, in-depth analysis and insightful intelligence on the business of African development under the auspices of the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) http://www.nepad.org.

NEPAD is an African-led initiative aimed at transforming the African continent and ensuring that member countries in Africa share in the economic harvest of the 21st century. Implementation of the initiative is at an early stage, and the scope, ambition and nature of the task of African transformation are vast. New opportunities are emerging daily, but the environment is highly complex, with multiple layers of participants, and intricate structures and mechanisms—many of which are still emerging.

The mission of NEPAD Business Monitor is to be an authoritative strategic information resource for business leaders, governments, IFIs and NGOs interested in NEPAD. More detail can be found by visiting the NBM website at: www.nepadbusinessmonitor.com. The site is also available in IFInet in the Links section listed as Other Useful Links.

Take advantage of the seminar series being hosted in Winnipeg, Calgary, and Vancouver. Participate in the events listed below to learn about how Canadian firms can land contracts with the London-based European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (http://www.ebrd.com/).

Don't miss this exciting opportunity to expand your international business pursuits. For more information, refer to the links bellow (en anglais seulement):

• Winnipeg: Wednesday, June 18, 2003
• Calgary: Thursday, June 19, 2003
• Vancouver: Friday, June 20, 2003

The Council of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) recently appointed Leonard Good, a Canadian and former President of the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), to a three-year term as its Chief Executive Officer and Chairman. The GEF is the largest single source of funding for the global environment, funding projects in biodiversity, climate change, ozone layer depletion, international waters, land degradation, and persistent organic pollutants.

For more information on the GEF see:
http://www.thegef.org/

The Vendor Kiosk is part of the World Bank's efforts to improve vendor and customer service. It is designed to be the one-stop contact point for dealing with the Bank's Procurement Unit and the Accounts Payable section. The Bank's average lending commitments generate upward of US$50 billion a year in total project investments worldwide. Recipient countries use these funds to purchase goods and equipment, construct civil works, and obtain consultant services.

Through the Kiosk, you can learn in more detail what the Bank buys and how to do business with it. The Kiosk serves as the platform for the Bank's e-procurement tools. The site also has links to bidding opportunities and contact information, as well as an online vendor registration form.

See: https://info.worldbank.org/vendorkiosk

Only 15 percent of the world's population lives in high-income countries, but they contribute disproportionately to global warming: they emit 50 percent of total CO2 and use 50 percent of the world's energy. Cities are now home to nearly half the world's population. The World Bank's recently published Little Green Data Book 2003 contains these and other useful facts on agriculture, forestry, biodiversity, energy, pollution, water, and sanitation.

For more details see:
http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/NEWS/0,,contentMDK:20107954

The UN System has been given close to $USD 1 billion to fund its humanitarian operations in Iraq. From health sector modernization to emergency infrastructure repairs, Canadian companies can play a significant role in supplying humanitarian needs. The Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade has launched a new web page to help you navigate through the various United Nations Agencies active in Iraq.

To access the UN page: http://www.infoexport.gc.ca/ifinet/iraq/un-iraq-e.htm

For information on reconstruction opportunities and Canada's role in Iraq, see:
http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/canadexport/docs/active/view-en.asp?did=2736

Canada, through the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), will contribute $38 million to the Caribbean Development Bank's Basic Needs Trust Fund. The Bank manages the Trust Fund which provides for direct delivery of basic public services to poor communities. Projects include the provision of water systems, drains, rural roads, footpaths, schools, health facilities, day-care centres, and skills training.

For more information on the Fund see:
http://www.caribank.org/BNTF.nsf/bntfframe2?OpenFrameSet

Do you supply architectural/interior design, freight forwarding and customs house brokerage, photo copy paper, or something similar? If so, you should take a look at the World Bank's website for procurement. The site lists current needs of the Bank in a wide variety of vendor areas, and contains links to terms and conditions for dealing with the Bank as well.

See: http://www.worldbank.org/html/extdr/business/rfps.htm

If you want to find out more about the countries where you do business, the World Bank's recently published "World Development Indicators 2003" is the source for you. It includes 600 indicators for 152 economies, covering topics such as demographics, income distribution, urbanization, exports and imports, external debt, military expenditures, education, health, and GDP.

According to the report, the number of people living on less than US$1 a day had dropped to 1.16 billion in 1999 from 1.3 billion in 1990, (however these gains occurred largely in China and India). Aid as a function of rich countries' GDPs has never been lower (about 0.22 percent).

The report summary and related materials are available at:
http://www.worldbank.org/data/wdi2003/

Another valuable information source is the Asian Development Bank's "Asian Development Outlook 2003," available for free on-line at:
http://www.adb.org/Documents/Books/ADO/2003/default.asp

International Financial Institutions (IFIs) finance more than US$40 billion worth of projects yearly in developing countries. Their loans cover the procurement of professional services, construction, training and equipment/machinery in a wide range of sectors, from education and health to roads and power.

To learn more, join us on June 18, 2003, as Ontario Exports Inc. and Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters present Export Opportunities through the IFIs. At this full-day seminar, you will learn how these institutions operate, which contracts they finance, how to successfully pursue these opportunities and what assistance is available through the Canadian and Ontario governments.

To register and obtain more information, go to the file below:
http://www.infoexport.gc.ca/ifinet/news/document/june2003ifi-invite.pdf

The American Corporate Council on Africa (CCA) is holding its bi-annual summit in Washington, DC from 24-27 June 2003. Once every two years the CCA convenes the premier gathering in the United States of business and government leaders who are united by their shared commitment in promoting trade and investment between the U.S. and Africa. The Summit''s theme this year is "Building Partnerships."

The goal of the Summit is to facilitate export/import trading, identify agents, representatives and distributors, explore joint venture partnerships and strategic alliances, and to promote foreign direct investment in Africa. The format of the event provides the opportunity for participants to interact with the African private sector, the American private sector, and African and U.S. government leaders. As in past years, the Summit expects to attract a number of African heads of state and prime ministers as well as senior-level U.S. government officials.

The Canadian Council on Africa (CCAfrica) is collaborating with CCA to promote this event and CCAfrica has obtained for its members a discount on the regular price of attending this unique event. CCAfrica's members can attend the Summit for US $1,300 instead of the regular price of US $2,000.

For more information on the Summit, visit www.africacncl.org

The World Bank Group is warning against investment deals and advanced fee fraud schemes that misuse the Bank's name or claim to be affiliated with the World Bank Group. Advanced fee fraud schemes involve solicitations that encourage potential victims to provide personal information such as signatures or bank account information, and to pay certain advance "processing fees." In return, the potential victim is promised money which the solicitor has no intention of paying.

For more information, see:
http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/NEWS/

To take advantage of the opportunities arising from untied bilateral official development assistance (ODA), keep an eye on the OECD Development Assistance Committee's Untied Aid Bulletin Board. Canada, Norway, France, and the UK all have recently posted project information there.

The Bulletin Board is at:
http://webdomino1.oecd.org/dcd/UntiedCWS.nsf

The World Bank Group is now sending periodic e-updates on its activities and developments in particular regions or countries. These updates have information both on Bank projects as well as other Bank documents covering more macro-economic and development topics. To subscribe, simply click on the link below, and select the region or country that interests you.

Note: all regional programs have e-subscriptions, but not all individual country programs.

Canadian consulting firms already successful with multilateral development banks (MDBs) know the importance of partnerships. They may, however, be literally flying over a source they have not previously considered: Japan. Teaming up for the long term, Canadian and Japanese consulting firms can open doors for each other to a whole new range of opportunities, including, for Canadian firms, with Japanese development assistance organizations such as the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). A new on-line report provides an excellent starting place for learning about the JICA procurement process and identifying potential partners.

To obtain a copie of this report go to:
http://www.infoexport.gc.ca/ifinet/jica-e.htm

June 10, 2003 in Charlottetown, PEI

Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters and the Canadian International Development Agency invite you to attend a special one day session "How to Form Successful Partnerships to Secure Business in Developing Countries", to be held in Charlottetown, PEI on June 10, 2003 at the Delta Prince Edward Hotel .

Find out how to do business in developing countries in the future. Meet and form partnerships with host Canadian partners, including private sector companies, NGO's and academic institutions, that have been very successful in doing business in developing countries and participate in one-on-ones and roundtables.

For more information or to register for this event, please contact treena.adhikari@cme-mec.ca or check out our website at www.cme-mec.ca

Kananaskis plus one
CALGARY, June 22-23, 2003

organized by :
The Canadian Council on Africa
and
Africa Direct West

For more information and registration form go to: http://www.africadirectwest.com/csr.pdf

"E-Government"is all about the use of information and communications technologies to improve the efficiency, effectiveness, transparency and accountability of government.

The World Bank has a website that offers a variety of e-government resources with a focus on developing countries. It includes analyses and case studies by Bank staff and from a variety of non-World Bank sources. Information is also available about the Bank's e-government group's work.

See: http://www1.worldbank.org/publicsector/egov/

Development Gateway also has a web page on e-government:
http://www.developmentgateway.org/node/130619/?

The Post-Conflict Assessment Unit of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has released an initial study on the priorities for improving post-conflict Iraq's environment. The report outlines the current state of water resources, waste management, biodiversity, and environmental administration in Iraq with the aim of determining priorities for an environmentally sustainable reconstruction. UNEP has played an important role in past post-conflict situations in mobilizing resources and managing environmental clean-up projects.

To access the full report, go to:
http://postconflict.unep.ch/publications/Iraq_DS.pdf

If you are planning to invest in a developing country, you need to know about the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA). A member of the World Bank Group, MIGA promotes foreign direct investment into emerging economies by offering political risk insurance (guarantees) to investors and lenders. Its capacity to serve as an objective intermediary enhances investor confidence that an investment in an emerging economy will be protected against non-commercial risks. MIGA has recently improved the process of obtaining guarantees by making it possible to file Preliminary Applications for Guarantees online.

For more information, the article Mitigating risk for private-sector investment with MIGA in developing countries was just published in CanadExport magazine and is available in the May 1^st printed version (First page) or in the electronic version at the following link:
www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/canadexport/docs/active/view-en.asp?did=2702

The World Bank has a website with all you ever wanted to know about private sector development. The site is designed to support the growth of efficient delivery systems and smart subsidies. It offers assessments of corporate governance standards and investment climates, advisory services, best practice papers, and toolkits. Topics covered range from the design and regulation of energy markets to analysis of the conditions for private investment and enterprise growth within developing countries.

See: http://www.worldbank.org/privatesector/.

IFIwatchnet is a tool for networking and collaboration among the many civil society organisations which are monitoring and campaigning on the international financial institutions (IFIs).

For an alternative view of the IFIs, check out:
http://www.ifiwatchnet.org.

The Inter-American Development Bank plans to modernize its project and corporate procurement practices to improve their efficiency, competitiveness, fair treatment, and transparency. The Bank is asking qualified consultants to submit expressions of interest by May 23.

For details, see:
http://www.iadb.org/exr/prmtoreng.pdf

Canadian firms are able to participate as teaming partners on U.S.-funded contracts for reconstruction in Iraq. While prime contracts for such projects managed by the US Agency for International Development (USAID) are open only to American firms, USAID has waived all restrictions on subcontracting with foreign firms. More good news: Canadian firms can get tips and details on prospecting for opportunities online as part of Sell2USGov, the government of Canada's leading online resource for winning US government contacts. New pages cover the reconstruction plans and contract awards by the United States Agency for International Development, the United States Department of Defence, and international donors.

To access the site, click:

It is with great pleasure that we announce Mr. Charles Bassett's appointment as the Canadian Executive Director to the Inter-American Development Bank . Mr. Bassett replaces Mr. Marcel Massé and will commence in his new position on May 1, 2003.

Mr. Charles Bassett has been a member of the Public Service of Canada since 1968 and has extensive experience in international development. Prior to joining the Bank, he was Vice-President of the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) (2000-2003) and also held a wide variety of other senior level positions within CIDA, the Public Service Commission and the Privy Council Office. Also, Mr. Bassett was previously Canada's High Commissioner to Zimbabwe.

For full contact information, please refer to the listing of Canadian Executive Director Offices on IFInet:
http://www.infoexport.gc.ca/ifinet/canadian-e.htm

The complete listing of the IFI and UN support network can be found at:
http://www.infoexport.gc.ca/ifinet/team-e.htm

Foreign direct investment (FDI) and migrant workers sending money home have become more important sources of finance for developing countries than private lending. The lower volatility of FDI and remittances are fostering a more stable environment for those developing countries that have learned to live with less external debt. FDI in Sub-Saharan Africa yielded the highest returns in the world in 2002. China became the largest FDI recipient, surpassing the US for the first time.

You can read all the details in the World Bank's annual review of recent trends in financial flows to developing countries, Global Development Finance 2003, at:
http://www.worldbank.org/prospects/gdf2003/.

At least four European and US banks plan to adopt the International Finance Corporation's (IFC) social and environmental guidelines for project finance in emerging markets. This is a clear signal that banks are taking seriously the risks of socially irresponsible investing. ABN Amro, Barclays, Citibank and WestLB, in collaboration with the IFC, the private-sector arm of the World Bank, have drafted an agreement called the "Equator Principles." The IFC's social and environmental rules for sustainable development include guidelines on issues ranging from environmental assessment and natural habitats to indigenous peoples and child and forced labour.

For more information, see:
http://www.ifc.org/enviro/EnvSoc/index.html

The World Trade Centre Montréal is organizing a mission to Washington, DC June 4-6, to the World Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank. This introductory mission is for Canadian companies and organizations interested in exploring multinational development bank opportunities in the Agriculture, Agri-Food and Rural Development sector.

Register before May 5 at:
http://www.wtcmontreal.com/missions/2003/agriculture

IFInet's United Nations page has a new look and new content. Concise, informative, one-page fact sheets on selected United Nations Agencies and how to do business with them are now available online. The fact sheets provide important details on the Agency's operations, its procurement volume, what it buys, and where to find opportunities.

To access the new page, go to:
http://www.infoexport.gc.ca/ifinet/un/agencies-e.htm

The Global Environment Facility announced a contribution of $400 million to address critical global water problems over the next four years -- bringing its total investment for water issues to more than $1.37 billion by 2007. The contribution coincided with the Third World Water Forum, which brought to the forefront global water issues as well as actions that countries and institutions must take to attain the targets set at last year's World Summit on Sustainable Development.

For more information, see:
http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/NEWS/0,

Alberta Economic Development, International Governance Office and the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) invites you to a workshop entitled "Business Opportunities and Working with International Financial Institutions". The workshop on Thursday, May 1st in Calgary will include presentations from Francois Page (World Bank), Francois Lafond (IDB), Mark Mostovac (CIDA) and Joseph Milewski (IDB). In addition to thepresentation, the speakers will be available for one-on-one meetings.

For further information on this workshop contact:
Shane M. Jaffer
Manager, International Financial Institutions
Alberta Economic Development
Telephone: (403) 297-6592
Fax: (403) 297-6168
Email: shane.jaffer@gov.ab.ca OR ifi.alberta@gov.ab.ca
http://alberta-canada.com