Archives 2005

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) recently released a new Country Strategy and Program (CSP) for 2006-2010. Devised with its development partners - the UK's Department for International Development, Government of Japan, and World Bank, the CSP supports the Bangladesh government in its aims to reduce poverty and improve human development. Over the first three years, the results-based CSP proposes loans totalling about US$1.8 billion for 15 projects, half of which will be from the Asian Development Fund, and supported by a technical assistance grant program amounting to almost US$13.8 million.

Detailed information is available at:
http://www.adb.org/Documents/News/2005/nr2005167.asp

The recently released Transparency International's 2005 Corruption Perception Index (CPI) provides a snapshot that measures the perceived level of corruption in 159 countries. The CPI is a composite survey that reflects the perceptions of business people and country analysts - resident and non-resident, and draws on 16 different polls from 10 independent institutions.

For more information or to access the report, please see:
http://www.transparency.org/cpi/2005/2005.10.18.cpi.en.html

The first ever OECD Economic Survey of China reviews the policy and structural reforms that have been achieved - and those that are still needed, to sustain growth. The publication includes special studies on developing the private business sector and reforming the financial system.

For further information, please see:
http://www.oecd.org/document......

The Asian Development Bank, the United Nations Development Programme, and the World Bank - in partnership with the National Academic Library of the Republic of Kazakhstan, opened the Information Centre for Development (ICD) in Astana, Kazakhstan. The ICD is designed to be a one-stop public access point for resources on the various social and economic aspects of development.

For more information, please visit:
http://www.adb.org/Documents/News/KARM/karm-200508.asp

25 - 26 January, 2006
Geneva Palexpo, Switzerland

The International Aid & Trade conference and exhibition, re-launched under the management of Sustainable Development International, will bring together aid experts from both the public and private sector under the theme of "Building Partnerships for Humanitarian Assistance".

The conference will bring together representatives from government, the UN family, international development banks, aid agencies and business to discuss real, current and emerging humanitarian challenges.

To find out more about this event, please visit:
http://www.aidandtrade.org/index.php...

Firms interested in attending the conference can also contact Leigh Wolfrom (leigh.wolfrom@international.gc.ca).

The investment guides, produced by the United Nations Commission on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and the International Chamber of Commerce, are intended as practical aids for investors. The subjects of the guides are Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, which together have boasted one of the strongest recent growth trends in FDI to developing countries.

In addition to highlighting investment opportunities in horticulture, tourism, and mining, the guides cover taxation, labour regulations, and investment protection, and include appendices listing major foreign companies in the country and the principal laws affecting foreign investment.

For more information, go to:
http://www.unctad.org/Templates/webflyer.asp.....

For information on sources of project financing in Africa, see:
http://www.infoexport.gc.ca/ifinet/financingfactsheet....

The EXPORT Finance Guide - a source for export finance information, centralizes information about the wide range of options available to Canadian exporters. This tool will help you determine what kind of financing you need and where to find it. It will also provide you with important business information and scenarios on how to mitigate risk.

To find out more, please go to:
http://www.edc.ca/edcapp/ExportFinanceGuide/eff_e.asp

Montreal, Quebec
November 30, 2005

The World Trade Centre Montréal is hosting a half-day training seminar on the ABCs of Winning Consulting Mandates with the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) and the Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs). With representatives from CIDA, International Trade Canada, the World Bank, and the Inter-American Development Bank, the event is designed for individual consultants and consulting firms interested in learning more about how to get involved in technical assistance programs, feasibility studies, economic and social analyses and project evaluations funded by these institutions.

For further information, see: http://www.ccmm.qc.ca or contact Christina Nguyen at (514) 871-4002 ext. 6215 or cnguyen@ccmm.qc.ca.

The Development Committee, a forum of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, recently endorsed the World Bank Group's Africa Action Plan. The Action Plan focuses on: building state capacity and improving governance; strengthening the drivers of growth; and promoting broad participation in growth and sharing its benefits.

Broadly, the plan establishes a framework for using the resources available for 2006-2008 to deliver results in the areas of economic growth, human development, and poverty reduction; and for using increases in assistance beyond current levels in a way that multiplies impact. The Action Plan establishes specific commitments and foresees working within the African Infrastructure Consortium to mobilize resources for both country and cross-border regional infrastructure projects.

For more information, please go to:
http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/COUNTRIES/AFRICA.....

The World Bank recently welcomed news that the UK Government intends to provide GBP£200 million (about US$352 million) to the new Africa Catalytic Fund. The Africa Catalytic Fund was proposed in the World Bank's Africa Action Plan and is a new financing mechanism that will focus on helping African countries that have shown an ability to make good use of additional aid. The Fund will provide resources for regional integration projects that generate growth and contribute to poverty reduction. Also, the Fund will assist countries that have recently emerged from post-conflict situations reach some of the Millennium Development Goals-such as ensuring that all children are in school, combating diseases such as malaria and HIV/AIDS, and reducing child mortality.

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

The African Development Bank (AfDB) Group is putting in place the necessary structures and facilities required to host the secretariat of the Africa Infrastructure Consortium. The Consortium is a major new effort to accelerate progress to meet the urgent infrastructure needs of Africa in support of economic growth and development.

The Consortium has also worked out a set of joint actions in support of the Secretariat, NEPAD, project preparation, analytical work, and capacity building, in order to remove some of the immediate bottlenecks in the promotion and development of cross-border and regional infrastructure projects in Africa.

Detailed information is available at:
http://www.afdb.org/portal/page?_pageid=293,174339.....

For more information on some of the world's major infrastructure firms, see: http://www.infoexport.gc.ca/ie-en/DisplayDocument.jsp?did=51733

The Africa Stockpiles Programme (ASP) is a continent-wide effort to eliminate the stockpiles and future build-ups of obsolete pesticides, including persistent organic pollutants. The first 4 year ASP phase, recently approved by the World Bank, the Global Environment Facility and the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, will be implemented through a strategic partnership focusing on seven African countries: Ethiopia, Mali, Morocco, Nigeria, Tanzania, Tunisia, and South Africa.

The pesticide waste stockpiled across the 53-country African contihe ASP partnership encourages strong involvement and expertise from the private sector, and is a multi-stakeholder initiative aimed to tackle pesticide pollution through the clean-up and disposal of over 50,000 tonnes of obsoletenent.

For details, please go to:
http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/NEWS.....

To learn more about working with the organizations involved in this project, see:
World Bank http://www.infoexport.gc.ca/ifinet/ifi/worldbank-e.htm
GEF http://www.infoexport.gc.ca/ifinet/ifi/gef-e.htm
FAO http://www.infoexport.gc.ca/ifinet/un/fao-e.htm

Quebec City and Montreal
October 25-27, 2005

The World Trade Centre Montréal, in collaboration with the Board of Trade of Gatineau and the Centre d'expertise sur les matières résiduelles, is hosting a series of seminars focussed on water and sanitation projects funded by the World Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank. Representatives from each Bank will discuss their plans for meeting the needs of some of the 1.1 billion people without access to potable water and the 2.4 billion without access to improved sanitation services.

For further details and to register, visit www.btmm.qc.ca/water or call Christina Nguyen at 514 871-4002 ext. 6215.

For more information on water and sanitation projects funded by the Multilateral Development Banks, see:
http://www.infoexport.gc.ca/ie-en/DisplayDocument.jsp?did=30329

Thursday, November 3
IDB Headquarters, Washington, DC

The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) invites you to attend their business seminar on Modernization of the State. This seminar informs companies and individuals on the IDB group's efforts to support state reform in its borrowing member countries. IDB project specialists use case studies to illustrate how an IDB project is structured and where the business opportunities arise.

Seminar topics include: IDB strategy for state reform and projects in the pipeline; the IDB project cycle, which describes how projects are initiated and developed; procedures for procurement of consulting services, goods and works; and news regarding recent procurement policy changes.

For more information or to register (US$225 fee), please visit:
http://www.iadb.org/biz/

To learn more about how to work with the IDB's in this and other sectors, see:
http://www.infoexport.gc.ca/ifinet/ifi/idb-e.htm

The World Bank will award US$4 million to the best ideas that provide clean water, sanitation, and energy to local communities in developing countries lacking these basic services. The Development Marketplace 2006 competition is open to all - social entrepreneurs, civil society groups, private foundations, academia, and private sector corporations, with unique ideas that may not attract funding from traditional finance sources.

This year's competition is titled "Innovation in Water, Sanitation, and Energy Services for Poor People" and seeks proposals for local, small-scale projects with the potential to be scaled up. The maximum award is US$200,000 per proposal and proposals will be accepted until November 30, 2005.

More information is available at:
http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/NEWS....

The World Investment Report 2005 (WIR05), prepared by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, presents the latest trends in regional and international foreign direct investment (FDI). The report examines the new phenomenon in research and development (R&D) investment by transnational corporations (TNCs) along with implications for development. The WIR05 also lists the world's top 100 TNCs and the top 50 TNCs from developing economies, and includes data on FDI flows and stock for more than 200 economies.

The World Investment Report 2005 and is available at:
http://www.unctad.org/Templates/WebFlyer....

The Asian Development Bank's (ADB) US$600 million loan will help develop an integrated road transport system to support the economic development of Sichuan province, which is located in the poor south western region of the People's Republic of China (PRC).

The project will construct a 244-kilometer expressway, upgrade local roads, rehabilitate four public transport centres, and procure equipment needed for road maintenance, toll collection, surveillance, and communications.

For more information, please visit:
http://www.adb.org/Documents/News/2005/nr2005134.asp

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) President announced that over the next three years, the ADB was ready to raise its development assistance to India to more than US$6.5 billion. The lending program will focus mostly on India's critical infrastructure needs particularly in transport, urban development, and energy. The ADB assured further support for the Government in formulating innovative methods of infrastructure financing including public-private partnerships, and by supporting the development of India's private sector.

More information is available at:
http://www.adb.org/Documents/News/2005/nr2005114.asp

The World Bank's new country assistance strategy for the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) projects financial assistance of up to US$103.4 million between 2005 and 2009. For the six OECS member states, this assistance is in addition to technical and advisory services.

Proposed projects are in critical areas such as public sector management, skills enhancement, social and environmental protection and public utilities reform. However, the most urgent project is the Catastrophe Risk Insurance Program, which seeks to mitigate against the devastating social and economic effects of natural hazards.

More information is available at:
http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/NEWS...

The annual Doing Business in 2006 report, co-sponsored by the World Bank and International Finance Corporation, updates last year's report in seven sets of business environment indicators. These are: starting a business, hiring and firing workers, enforcing contracts, registering property, getting credit, protecting investors, and closing a business.

This year, Doing Business also expands research to 155 countries, studies five conflict-affected countries: Afghanistan, Eritrea, Iraq, Sudan, and Timor-Leste, and adds three new indicators: dealing with business licenses, trading across borders, and paying taxes.

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

Mr. Donald Kaberuka, was recently sworn in as the 7th elected President of the African Development Bank Group. Mr. Kaberuka has been widely acknowledged as the principal architect of the successful post-war reconstruction and economic reform programme and served as Rwanda's Minister of Finance and Economic Planning since 1997. Before joining the government, Mr. Kaberuka had 12 years experience in the banking industry, trade finance, international commodity business, and development issues.

For more information, please go to:
http://www.afdb.org/portal/page?_pageid=293,174339...

The African Development Bank (AfDB) recently announced a US$36 million loan to finance the rural water supply and sanitation (RWSS) sub-programme in Senegal. This programme will enable some 800,000 rural people to benefit from improved water supply and sanitation in the regions of Louga, Ziguinchor, and Kolda in Senegal. The loan will finance individual, school, and community sanitation works, and help reduce health expenditure, promote water-related income-generating activities, and develop the private sector.

Project brief information is available at:
http://www.afdb.org/portal/page?_pageid=293,174339...

The Clinton Global Initiative meeting closed with participant pledges worth US$1.25 billion and promises of more than 100,000 hours of service. Clinton's call for a global initiative - a partnership among politicians, religious leaders, entrepreneurs, and activists, drew participants from all over the world who - in the coming year, vowed to act on topics that included religion, climate change, poverty, and governance.

For more information, please visit:
http://www.clintonglobalinitiative.org/home.nsf/nws/naDFCAE8D91A3DE7BF85257084007B0F9B

Britain, France, Spain, Italy, and Sweden recently launched the International Finance Facility for Immunization (IFFIm), which is an innovative approach to financing critical global health programs. The IFFIm will ensure that the provision of US$4 billion, over the next ten years, tackles some of the deadliest diseases and provides long-term vaccination services that could save 10 million lives in the world's poorest countries.

To read more about the IFFIm, please go to:
http://www.govnet.co.uk/newsfeed.php?ID=10492

October 31 - November 2, 2005
Atlanta, GA

Companies looking for new export opportunities should plan to attend the Government Procurement Conference of the Americas which is organized by the Canadian Commercial Corporation, the U.S. General Services Administration, and the Organization of American States. Exporters who attend the conference will learn about government procurement practices, gain industry perspectives on doing business throughout the Americas, and learn about how and what governments are purchasing. Participants can also arrange one-on-one meetings with representatives of government agencies and get more information on potential business opportunities including advice on how best to pursue them.

Register before September 23, 2005 and save money!
http://www.fgpca.org/welcome.htm

Information is also available at:
http://www.ccc.ca/eng/abo_newsroom_latestEvents.cfm

The Global Environment Facility (GEF) has adopted a major reform program that changes the way it provides grants to developing countries. The new resource allocation framework will explicitly link the award of GEF resources to a country's potential to generate global environmental benefits as well as its performance, transparency and good governance.

To view the GEF reforms, please see:
http://www.thegef.org/Documents/GEFReform.pdf

The World Bank's Board of Directors recently approved a US$200.5 million loan to support Mexico's efforts to promote sustainable development. The loan supports the Government's efforts to mainstream environmental concerns in the development agenda of key sectors such as tourism, forestry, energy, water, and seeks to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of local environmental management processes.

For more information, please go to:
http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/NEWS/0...

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and Black & Veatch launched a website that supports renewable energy projects in central and Eastern Europe, and the former Soviet Union. The website www.ebrdrenewables.com covers renewable energy sources such as solid biomass, biofuels, biogas, wind, hydro, solar, ocean and geothermal power. This project seeks to advance the development and financing of renewable energy projects, serves as a venue through which project promoters can seek EBRD financing, and acts as an information resource to project developers, policymakers, and researchers.

For details, please see:
http://www.ebrd.org/new/index.htm

Time is running out to apply for the 2005 Canada Export Awards. If you work for an innovative company or know remarkable exporters that should be acknowledged for their expertise, take this opportunity to highlight their success. It's easy to do; just complete the application or nomination form available on the Canada Export Awards Web site. The application deadline is September 19, 2005.

Each year, the Awards honour Canadian companies for successfully expanding their businesses beyond Canada's borders. This year's winners will be invited to celebrate at the Canada Export Awards ceremony this fall.

To apply, nominate or for more information, go to:
www.infoexport.gc.ca/awards-prix

or contact:

Canada Export Awards
E-mail: cea-peec@international.gc.ca

September 25-27, 2005
Santiago, Chile

The III Inter-American Conference on Corporate Social Responsibility, organized by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the Government of Chile, and the Confederation for the Production and Commerce (CPC), is set to take place in Santiago, Chile between September 25 and 27. The conference attracts representatives from large and small companies, the IDB, the World Bank, and the United Nations interested in furthering the business case for socially and environmentally responsible commerce in developing countries.

For more information on the conference and to register, see:
http://www.iadb.org/csramericas/2005/sections/chile.asp#conference

The World Bank now offers a comprehensive on-line overview of available datasets on governance. As there has been a virtual explosion of information measuring quality of institutions, governance and corruption, this inventory is a response to the growing demand for quantifying the governance performance of countries, localities, and institutions.

The inventory of governance datasets are organized into three different matrices, and include internal World Bank datasets and empirical tools, external datasets and instruments, and a consolidated matrix of both external and internal governance datasets and instruments.

The on-line inventory is available at:
http://www.worldbank.org/wbi/governance/govdatasets/

Luis Alberto Moreno, a Colombian diplomat and former minister of economic development, was recently elected as the fourth president of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). Mr. Moreno will take office on October 1, 2005 for a five-year term, and oversee operations of the IDB Group, which is made up of the Bank and its affiliates, the Inter-American Investment Corporation and the Multilateral Investment Fund.

For more information, please see:
http://www.iadb.org/NEWS/Display/PRView.cfm?PR_Num=163_05...

The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) launched a contest to recognize initiatives and publicize public policies, programs and plans that promote gender equality in Latin America and the Caribbean. Initiatives are not restricted to those specifically geared towards gender equality, but also include general ones that have - or have had, an impact on reducing gender disparities. The IDB will select a maximum of three public initiatives that will each receive a US$10,000 award. The contest applications deadline is September 15, 2005.

For more information or to review contest rules, please go to:
http://idbdocs.iadb.org/wsdocs/getdocument.aspx?docnum=573338

The International Finance Corporation (IFC), the private sector arm of the World Bank Group, formally opened its new Lima office aimed at expanding its work in the Andean countries. This IFC office provides a wide range of services, including targeted investment activities, structured finance, technical assistance and advisory services, and other support for private business.

The Lima office also serves as the headquarters for IFC's Technical Assistance Facility for Latin America and the Caribbean (IFC Plus) which funds advisory activities in improving the business environment, enhancing local benefits from IFC investments, and broadening access to finance for and strengthening the competitiveness of small and medium enterprises.

For more information, please go to:
http://www.ifc.org/ifcext/pressroom/ifcpressroom.nsf....

The World Bank Group recently launched a Private Sector Development (PSD) blog that focuses on the role of the private sector in fighting poverty and encouraging growth. The informal PSD blog offers news, ideas, research, links to websites, and other topical business resources.

More information is available at:
http://www.ifc.org/ifcext/home.nsf/Content/PSD_Blog

To access the PSD blog, please go to:
http://psdblog.worldbank.org/

The Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME), in partnership with the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), will celebrate the achievements of Canadian companies in the developing world with the 13th Annual Canadian Awards for International Cooperation. These prestigious awards are a great way for companies to highlight their accomplishments and be recognized for supporting sustainable economic growth, social progress, and poverty reduction in the developing countries of Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean.

If you are active in the developing world and countries in transition, and interested in having your projects considered for awards presented in several categories, make sure you complete and submit your application by the September 19, 2005 deadline.

For more information, or to download a copy of the application form, please go to:
http://www.cme-mec.ca/national/excellence/caic%202005/index.asp

Thursday & Friday, September 22 & 23
IDB Headquarters, Washington, DC

The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) invites you to attend their business seminar on Financing Private and Public Infrastructure Projects. Gain insight into IDB's multi-sectoral approach and explore project financing options for large infrastructure projects in the energy, transportation, telecommunications, water and sanitation sectors.

The two-day business seminar includes afternoon breakout sessions with case study presentations by IDB staff and speakers on energy and transportation related topics.

For more information or to register, please visit:
http://www.iadb.org/biz/index.cfm?language=english

The United Nations (UN) issued a status report, prepared by 25 UN agencies and international organizations, on reaching the internationally endorsed Millennium Development Goals (MDG). This report is the most comprehensive accounting on the progress that has been made to date, and outlines a practical plan to achieve the MDG, which range from halving extreme poverty to halting the spread of HIV/AIDS and providing universal primary education - all by the target date of 2015.

The read this report, please go to:
http://unstats.un.org/unsd/mi/pdf/MDG%20Book.pdf

The World Bank approved International Development Association (IDA) credits totaling $390 million for three projects in Nigeria in state governance and capacity building, urban water supply, and energy development.

Nigeria received US$200 million in IDA credit assistance for the Second National Urban Water Sector Reform Project, which has four components. The project goal is to increase the supply of potable water to the inhabitants of Cross River and Lagos states.

The World Bank also assisted Nigeria's National Energy Development Project with an IDA credit of US$172 million. This project supports energy sector reform efforts and facilitates a smooth transition to the new institutional and market structure.

Nigeria also received assistance for a State Governance and Capacity Building Project with a US$18.1 million IDA credit aimed to support and enhance efficiency and accountability in the management of financial and human resources at the state level.

For detailed project information, please go to:
http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/COUNTRIES/AFRICAEXT/NIGERIA....

The World Bank announced soft loans of up to US$500 million over two years for the rebuilding of Iraq, its first lending package there since 1973. The funding will be used to address Iraq's urgent needs by scaling up activities in sectors where past International Reconstruction Fund Facility for Iraq (IRFFI) operations delivered clear results on the ground - such as improved school facilities and healthcare, and a cleaner and more reliable water supply.

For more information on the World Bank lending package, please see:
http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/NEWS....

For more information on IRFFI, see:
http://www.irffi.org/

African development issues were prominent on this year's agenda at the G8 Summit in Gleneagles, Scotland which has led to a number of new commitments. G8 leaders have pledged to double the amount of development assistance to Africa by 2010 to $US 50 billion through their own development agencies and multilateral organizations. Education for All, the Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria, Polio Eradication Initiative, as well as private sector and infrastructure development are some of the initiatives that were prioritized for new funding.

To read the G8 Gleneagles statement on Africa, see:
http://www.g8.gc.ca/pdf/g8_Africa-en.pdf

For details on how Canada supports NEPAD and on its contributions to the G8 Africa Action Plan - particularly in the areas of peace and security, governance, debt relief, health, education, agriculture, water and economic growth, please see:
http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/africa/africa_action_plan-en.asp

The African Development Indicators (ADI) 2005 report, compiled from the World Bank Africa database, provides the most detailed collection of development data on Africa. The ADI 2005 volume contains comprehensive data on social and economic conditions - from 53 African countries and 5 regional country groups, for more than 500 development indicators including indicators on business environment, aid flows, environmental indicators, and sectoral statistics.

To view this publication, please visit:
http://www4.worldbank.org/afr/stats/adi2005/default.cfm

The World Bank approved a US$350 million adaptable program lending (APL) facility to support the West Africa Power Pool (WAPP), a regional program aimed at ensuring a reliable and affordable electricity supply. The first lending operation under the WAPP APL facility is a US$40 million credit to help the Republic of Ghana develop the first phase of the Coastal Transmission Backbone Project.

The WAPP program will help reduce the cost of electricity supply and facilitate unconstrained cross-border electricity exchanges between Nigeria, Benin/Togo, Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire until at least 2020.

For program information and information on project components, please go to:
http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/NEWS...

The Division for Economic Cooperation within the Francophonie has published new information for companies in developing member countries on how to access the development assistance market. As part of the AMADE (Accès aux marchés de l'aide publique au développement) project, the website contains information on the procurement procedures, priorities, and key contacts of a number of international development agencies. Future plans include development aid workshops in developing member countries and the establishment of points of contact for aid market information within each country.

To access the site, go to:
http://www.espace-economique-francophone.com/Projet_amade/amade.html

Made in Canada: Canadian Vision - Global Excellence
A Conference on North American Competitiveness

Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel
Toronto, Ontario
October 30-November 1, 2005

The Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME) is pleased to invite you to the 2005 CME Annual Conference & Trade Show. With 2,000 participants expected from across Canada, the United States, and Mexico, this "Conference on North American Competitiveness" provides the opportunity to hear from a industry experts on topics such as workforce capabilities, international business development, innovation, and leadership. The Conference includes a Global Business Reception, the Canadian Innovation Awards, and an interactive trade show.

For more information and to register, see:
http://www.cme-mec.ca/toronto/05/en/intro.htm

The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) recently launched the fourth edition of the African Economic Outlook 2004/2005. The report is jointly published by the African Development Bank and the OECD Development Centre, and contains a special section that focuses on financing Small and Medium Sized Enterprises' Development. This edition also tackles crucial challenges for African development, and provides an in-depth update on the economic and political situation in 29 African countries.

More information is available at:
http://www.oecd.org/document....

UNOSAT is a United Nations (UN) initiative that provides access to satellite imagery and Geographic Information System (GIS) services. The goal of UNOSAT is to make satellite imagery and geographic information easily accessible to the humanitarian community, and to worldwide experts working to reduce disasters and plan sustainable development. The UNOSAT consortium is a unique cooperation initiative between the UN, public and private organizations, science and satellite industries that ensures low-cost and high quality solutions.

To view details, please see:
http://www.unosat.org

A Practical Guide for 2005

Whether you are a development professional or experienced contractor, you will find the recently released Development Executive Group Report: Doing Business with the Asian Development Bank: A Practical Guide for 2005, a valuable business tool.

The easy to use 70-page report is a business-oriented reference guide for professionals interested in furthering established relationships, or working with the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The report outlines ADB's business processes, provides practical tips, and contains data on resident mission strategies and projects.

To find out more or to purchase the report, please visit:
http://www.developmentex.com/spring/services/report_adb.jsp

The Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME), in partnership with the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), will celebrate the achievements of Canadian companies in the developing world with the 13th Annual Canadian Awards for International Cooperation. These prestigious awards are a great way for companies to highlight their accomplishments and be recognized for supporting sustainable economic growth, social progress, and poverty reduction in the developing countries of Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean.

If you are active in the developing world and countries in transition, and interested in having your projects considered for awards presented in several categories, make sure you complete and submit your application by the September 19, 2005 deadline.

For more information, or to download a copy of the application form, please go to:
http://www.cme-mec.ca/national/excellence/caic%202005/index.asp

The World Bank recently approved a Groundwater and Drought Management project grant with a four-year objective to develop consensus on a Southern African Development Community (SADC) strategic regional approach to support and enhance the capacity of its member states to articulate and implement drought management policies. The SADC executed project specifically addresses the role, availability and supply potential of groundwater resources.

The overall project cost of US$7.5 million is being funded by a US$7 million grant from the Global Environment Facility and a US$0.5 million contribution from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency.

To read more about this project, please go to:
http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/NEWS/0....

The World Bank recently approved a US$150 million loan for Argentina to support road investment programs at the provincial level in Córdoba, Chubut, Corrientes, Entre Ríos, Santa Fe, and Neuquén. The Provincial Road Infrastructure 2 project will support the provincial network and is an integral part of the Bank's strategy to support infrastructure operations. The project will improve the reliability of roads that facilitate access of provincial production to the markets.

More information is available at:
http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/NEWS/0....

The Private Participation in Infrastructure (PPI) project database tracks information on more than 2,700 private investment infrastructure projects in the energy (electricity and natural gas), telecommunications, transport, and water and sewerage sectors in low- and middle-income countries. The PPI projects database allows investors to track global trends and to inform project decision-making. It also features more than 350 infrastructure contracts and licenses in energy, water, telecom, and transport sectors and offers snapshot reports of infrastructure activities between 1990 and 2003 - by country, region, or sector.

To access the database, visit:
http://ppi.worldbank.org/

The International Finance Corporation (IFC), the private investment arm of the World Bank Group, recently launched www.bel.biz, a new on-line information portal for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Belarus. The Belarus SME Toolkit is updated daily and modeled after www.vlasnasprava.info one of the most successful internet portals created for Ukrainian SMEs.

This web resource contains information on local business law, business support services, financing sources, and lists SME partners, documentation templates, and data of interest to the business community.

For details, please see:
http://ifcln001.worldbank.org/ifcext/pressroom/ifcpressroom....

The World Bank and the State Bank of Vietnam recently signed a US$35 million grant agreement to support Vietnam's HIV/AIDS prevention project. The project aims to help reduce disease transmission and prevent the spread to the general population. The decentralized project approach transfers funds directly to 20 provinces/cities to develop and implement action programs in line with the national strategy and includes support for multi-sectoral collaborations to reduce stigma and discrimination, help build capacity at the national and provincial level, and encourage innovative thinking on preventing HIV/AIDS.

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

This new study highlights business opportunities related to information and communications technologies contracts funded by the three major MDBs active in the broader Caribbean region, including a few countries from Central America. The study gives examples of specific project opportunities and covers the topics of key players, customers and market-entry considerations to succeed in this market.

Published by the Trade Commissioner Service of the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, this study is available at:
http://www.infoexport.gc.ca/ie-en/DisplayDocument.jsp?did=55288

The World Bank's Board of Directors approved the Cambodia Trade Facilitation and Competitiveness Project, which is financed by a US$10 million grant from the International Development Association. The project aims to promote economic growth by reducing transaction costs associated with trade and investment, introduce transparency in investment processes, and facilitate access to export markets. The four project components include the creation of an electronic "Single Window" access system and streamlined foreign investment processes.

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

The European Investment Bank's (EIB) regional representation for Central and East Africa recently inaugurated their Nairobi, Kenya based office. The regional office intends to increase the effectiveness of EIB activities particularly in the private sector. The representation office is the first to be opened in sub-Sahara Africa and will play a key role in the EIB's commitment to build closer ties and expand operations in Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific.

More information is available at:
http://www.eib.org/news/press/press.asp?press=2938

The World Bank recently approved an International Development Association (IDA) credit of US$7.5 million to the republic of Burundi and US$5 million to the African Trade Insurance Agency. The overall objective - of the Regional Trade Facilitation Project, is to contribute to poverty alleviation through private sector led growth by improving access to financing for productive transactions and cross-border trade.

The project also aims to bring together a group of countries in the Southern and Eastern African regions willing to address risk by setting up a credible insurance mechanism. The credit for Burundi assists in financing Burundi's Insurance Facility to ensure that it has adequate insurance capacity to continue to meet the demand for its products such as political and credit risk insurance.

Details are available at:
http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/NEWS/0....

The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) approved a US$1.12 million grant for a project that increases the competitiveness of hundreds of Central American artisans. The IDB expects the project will help more than 1,000 Guatemalan, Honduran and Nicaraguan artisans who work with ceramics, wood, rattan, leather, iron, textiles, glass and wax, by providing them with the skills, equipment and organization needed to become reliable producers of high-end handicrafts. International experts will be hired to assist craftspeople to overcome technical limitations and in the design and new product development based on market demand.

For project information, go to:
http://www.iadb.org/NEWS/DISPLAY/PRView.cfm...

Montreal,
June 22, 2005

The "Partnership in Reconstruction" conference has been postponed until Wednesday, June 22, 2005. Updated information on the program and registration forms will be available at:
www.ccmm.qc.ca/asia_reconstruction.

In the aftermath of the Indian Ocean Tsunami, the international community has so far pledged more than $6.3 billion to help rebuild the affected countries in South and Southeast Asia. Organised in partnership with the World Trade Centre Montreal, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation and Industry Canada, "Partnerships in Reconstruction: The Canadian Private Sector and International and Non-Governmental Organizations" will be an opportunity for Canadian companies to learn how international and non-governmental organizations respond to natural disasters and conflicts, and the role private sector can play in meeting these organizations' technical, financial and material needs. Canadian companies will have the opportunity to meet one-on-one with representatives of these organizations.

For more information, contact:
Marie-Pierre Racine, World Trade Centre Montréal
Tel.: (514) 871-4002, ext. 6218 or (877) 590-4040
E-mail: mracine@ccmm.qc.ca,
Web site: www.ccmm.qc.ca/asia_reconstruction

Ontario Exports Inc. is offering a seminar in Toronto with a focus on South America which will be of interest to Ontario companies that wish to learn more about partnering for success, effective bid preparation and private sector financing. Participants will have an opportunity to learn from the experiences of experts on these topics and network with business representatives.

OEI's seminars, workshops and conferences provide an ideal educational opportunity for Ontario exporters. At these events, business representatives can network and learn from the experiences of their fellow entrepreneurs and from exporting experts with service organizations.

For more information, please go to:
http://www.ontarioexportsinc.com/events/public/Event...

July 14, 2005
IDB Headquarters, Washington, DC

The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) invites you to attend their business seminar on Education and Health. Seminar topics include: administration of the education system and the role of the public sector; education reform; financial and economic analysis; education and technology; special needs in education; and public/private partnerships. Health topics focus on family health, primary healthcare management and reform, regulation of healthcare providers and insurers, service-delivery and quality of care issues, disease prevention, nutrition and care for the elderly.

More information is available at:
http://www.iadb.org/biz/index.cfm?language=english

The African Development Bank (AfDB) developed a short-term action-plan that outlines priority infrastructure investment projects and programs - for the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD), for the period 2002-2007. Projects are concentrated in the energy, transport, water and sanitation, and information and communications technology (ICT) sectors. To fund the projects, AfDB estimates an investment of approximately US$8 billion of which half may be financed by the private sector.

With the assistance of a $10 million grant from the Canada fund for Africa, a multi-donor NEPAD infrastructure project preparation facility was also established to assist with regional feasibility studies.

Further details are available at:
http://www.afdb.org/pls/portal/docs/PAGE/ADB_ADMIN_PG....

For NEPAD project information, please go to:
http://www.afdb.org/pls/portal/docs/PAGE/ADB_ADMIN_PG....

A new study released by the Asian Development Bank, Japan Bank for International Cooperation, and the World Bank, states that developing countries in East Asia need to spend more than a trillion dollars over the next five years. The money is for roads, water, communications, power, and other infrastructure needed to cope with rapidly expanding cities, increasing populations, and the growing demands of the private sector.

The study estimates that the 21 countries covered will need more than US$200 billion per year to fund new investment and maintenance of power and gas pipelines, transport, communications and information technology, and water and sanitation systems. It is expected that China will require 80 percent of the total investment needed.

For more information, please go to:
http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/NEWS/0....

The World Bank and Asian Development Bank have recently approved $US 135 million in new loans and grants for Afghanistan. The $US 50 million Asian Development Bank funding is for a power supply improvement project that will help improve the living conditions of about 1.2 million poor people. The US$85 million World Bank assistance package consists of US$40 million directed for higher education, and US$45 million to support the country's economic and social recovery by restoring road and airport infrastructure.

For more information on the Asian Development Bank project, see:
http://www.adb.org/Media/Articles/2005/7342_Afghanistan_electricity...

For more information on the World Bank projects, see:
http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/NEWS/0....

Members of the Central Asia Cooperation Organization (CACO) launched a US$27 million regional AIDS control project aimed to minimize the human and economic impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in four Central Asian CACO countries - Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

The grant agreements that will fund the project include an estimated US$25 million International Development Association grant and a £1 million grant from the UK Department for International Development (DfID). Specific project goals include a reduction in the growth rate of HIV/AIDS, the establishment of a regional AIDS fund, and enhanced regional co-operation in Central Asia.

To view project components, please go to:
http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/NEWS/0.....

The World Bank's Board approved a US$100 million loan to the People's Republic of China to help finance three components of an Agricultural Technology Transfer Project. The project will help improve efficiency and speed of agricultural technology transfers; support the emergence, inclusiveness and sustainability of new institutional and public-private partnership arrangements, and pilot the establishment of farmer managed producer organizations. This project aims to develop and test innovative models for agricultural technology generation, transfer, and application aimed to generate additional farm income.

To find out more, visit:
http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/NEWS/0....

International donors pledged more than US$4.5 billion in aid for humanitarian and reconstruction needs in Sudan. At the 60-nation conference in Norway, pledges are nearly double the $2.6 billion estimate sought to fund reconstruction until the end of 2007. A joint report by the UN, the World Bank, the Sudanese government, and the Sudan People's Liberation Movement/Army took into account the recovery and basic-development needs for Sudan, but did not include the substantial costs of peacekeeping, demobilisation or the massive humanitarian requirements - notably for Darfur, as outlined under the UN 2005 Work Plan for Sudan.

For more information, please go to:
http://www.irinnews.org/report....

To review the UN 2005 Work Plan for Sudan, see:
http://www.unsudanig.org/publications/workplan/index.jsp

The World Bank's Board of Directors approved a US$120 million loan to the Government of Egypt for an Integrated Irrigation Improvement and Management Project. This project is expected to achieve more efficient and sustainable use of land and water resources by improving the management of irrigation and drainage for farmers in the Nile Delta.

The seven-year project aims to apply integrated water resource management by empowering water users in decision making at the investment as well as operation and maintenance levels for irrigation and drainage infrastructure. The project will finance irrigation and drainage renovations and provide water users with technical assistance for improving water productivity and training at the district levels.

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

African governments and the international donor community expressed strong support for the African Development Bank (AfDB) Group's Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Initiative, and resolved to achieve the Millennium Development Goal for water in Africa by 2015. France announced it would give an extra US$52 million to support the ADB Group's initiative, but more money and effort are needed to meet international goals to supply clean water and sanitation to rural Africa.

Over a third of the population - some 300 million Africans - still do not have access to safe drinking water supplies, and 400 million - or nearly half of all Africans - lack access to basic sanitation. The AfDB and the African Development Fund are also ready to provide up to 30 percent of the total financing needed to meet intermediate targets.

More information is available at:
http://www.afdb.org/en/what_s_new/focus/support....

In partnership with donors, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) is launching the Private Enterprise Partnership for Africa (PEP-Africa) initiative. Based in Johannesburg - PEP-Africa will build on IFC's investment experience and help identify constraints to private investment in Africa. PEP-Africa expects to be active in investment climate reform, infrastructure, gender equality, small business development, and other areas. Specific projects may be multi-year efforts that build sustainable local capacity for development in key sectors such as agribusiness, infrastructure, tourism, or financial markets.

Further details are available at:
http://www.ifc.org/ifcext/pressroom/ifcpressroom....

The recently launched website - TICAD Exchange, was created to facilitate investment and trade between Asia and Africa. The TICAD Exchange is a web-based network that provides a wide range of information, including micro and macro economic indicators, data on industrial production, trade and investment policies, and laws and regulations of African countries.

The TICAD Exchange also provides linkages to trade and investment promotion sites, relevant data sources, as well as directories of Chambers of Commerce and private firms in Africa listing profiles and information on products and investment needs.

For more information, please see:
http://www.ticad.net/whats_new.html

Or visit TICAD Exchange at:
http://www.ticadexchange.org/home.asp?id=38&lan=en

June 2, 2005
IDB Headquarters, Washington, DC

The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) invites you to attend their Business Seminar on Capital Markets for Development: The Role of the Private Sector. The seminar aims to provide information on how IDB utilizes private sector programs to support capital market development. The focus is on innovative IDB financial instruments that help support access to local capital market financing in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Case studies, including specific examples of IDB private sector activities, and discussions focused on projects in the pipeline, will be presented. This seminar offers significant networking and business opportunities for private sector firms, financial institutions, and for individual consultants.

Registration information and seminar details are available at:
http://www.iadb.org/biz/

Donor countries of the Inter-American Development Bank's (IDB) Multilateral Investment Fund (MIF) agreed to establish MIF II, and replenish the fund's resources with US$502 million. MIF will pursue poverty reduction and economic growth through private sector development in Latin America and the Caribbean.

More information is available at:
http://www.iadb.org/NEWS/Display/PRView.cfm?PR_Num=66...

The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) Board of Governors adopted a new lending framework to guide lending operations during the four-year period from 2005 to 2008. The IDB will retain its three basic loan categories - investment loans, policy-based loans and emergency loans - but it will eliminate minimum limits on disbursement periods.

Policy changes were adopted to align IDB rules with current frameworks designed to achieve greater country focus, attend more closely to the needs of borrowing countries, and harmonize rules and procedures more closely with other multilateral lending organizations.

Details are available at:
http://www.iadb.org/NEWS/Display/PRView.cfm?PR_Num=78...

The World Bank Group's Board of Directors approved an US$8 million grant, from the International Development Association (IDA), for Central America. The grant will support the implementation of a regional program to prevent and control the spread of HIV/AIDS in Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama.

The Regional HIV/AIDS project will support the development of a regional strategy and action plan to prevent and control the HIV/AIDS epidemic, including prevention and management plans, as well as a focus on the promotion of human rights. Programs will also promote access to HIV testing, counselling and integrated treatment, an HIV/AIDS regional surveillance system, and the purchase of antiretroviral drugs, lab tests, and related medical supplies.

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

According to the recently released World Bank report, Global Development Finance 2005, all developing regions grew faster in 2004 than their average over the last decade. The report shows net private capital flows to developing countries up US$51 billion to US$301.3 billion in 2004, and notes that developing countries outgrew high-income countries. According to the report, the encouraging economic performance in developing countries coincides with sound policies such as openness to trade and investment, prudent fiscal positions, and exchange rate flexibility.

The report is available at:
http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/NEWS/0....

Montreal, June 2-3, 2005

In the aftermath of the Indian Ocean Tsunami, the international community has so far pledged more than $6.3 billion to help rebuild the affected countries in South and Southeast Asia. Organised in partnership with International Trade Canada, "Partnerships in Reconstruction: The Canadian Private Sector and International and Non-Governmental Organizations" will be an opportunity for Canadian companies to learn how international and non-governmental organizations respond to natural disasters and conflicts, and the role private sector can play in meeting these organizations' technical, financial and material needs. Canadian companies will have the opportunity to attend plenary sessions throughout the day on June 2, and meet one-on-one with representatives of these organizations on June 3.

For more information, contact:
Marie-Pierre Racine, World Trade Centre Montréal
Tel.: (514) 871-4002, ext. 6218 or (877) 590-4040
E-mail: mracine@ccmm.qc.ca,
Web site: www.ccmm.qc.ca/asia_reconstruction

Trade Mission to Washington D.C.
June 7 - 9 2005

Energy, mining, forestry, water management and other environmental experts interested in developing commercial relationships with the Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) in Washington D.C., are invited to participate in this trade mission organized by the World Trade Centre Montréal in partnership with International Trade Canada and the Offices of the Canadian Executive Directors at the Banks. Participants will take part in presentations, business meetings and round tables with project managers and sectoral experts, as well as with high level Canadian representatives from the World Bank (WB), the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the Asian Development Bank (AsDB)

For more information, contact:
Barbara Loyer
Tel.: (514) 871-4002 ext. 6219 or (877) 590-4040 ext. 6219
Email: bloyer@ccmm.qc.ca
Website: www.ccmm.qc.ca/wtcm_mdbenv

The Indian market has an increasing consumption growth potential supported by an increasingly educated public and growing income levels. India's structural reforms and the development of a modern economic base have led to major economic reforms in the country . These reforms removed much of the government regulations for investment and trade, eliminating the quota and tariff system that kept trade low. Important to continued growth and economic development has been the emergence of "New Economy" sectors, such as information technology, telecommunications, media and entertainment. India is moving to a modern economy with diversified industries and sophisticated financial and service sector.

The Canada India Business Portal offers more than 2,000 links to connect users to information from government and non-government sources in both Canada and India. It is intended to provide one stop access to information and reports related to the enhancement of commercial relations between Indian and Canadian companies, and is designed to offer broad-based information to both Indian and Canadian users.

Please visit: http://canadaindiabusiness.ca.

A new Guide to International Development Project Bidding seeks to present a comprehensive, practical roadmap to pursuing international development business opportunities in projects funded by Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs), United Nations agencies, the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), foreign bilateral development agencies, and other international development funding sources. This market is valued approximately at CAD $160 billion annually. Identifying, pursuing and bidding on contracts in this highly competitive international development project business necessitates both an understanding of complex public procurement procedures, as well as the processes by which development projects are programmed, planned and executed. This Guide will assist enterprises in demystifying this process.

See a complete Guide at:
http://exportsource.ca/gol/exportsource/site.nsf/en/es03000.html

Montreal, April 26, 2005

If you're interested in learning more about how to pursue business opportunities financed by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), please join us for a presentation by Canada's liaison officer to the Bank, Elizabeth Clarke. You will hear about Canada's competitive advantages, latest project trends and practical tips for pursuing contracts financed by the Caribbean Development Bank. In addition, Alexandra Wood, Deputy Director in the International Financing Division of International Trade Canada (ITCan) will provide an interactive session on project research tools.

For further information, please contact:
Julie Insley, Trade Commissioner, International Trade Canada
Tel: (514) 283-5974
Email: insley.julie@ic.gc.ca

Donors have reached agreement on a 25% increase in overall resources for the International Development Association (IDA), the concessional lending arm of the World Bank Group. At least $34 billion in resources will be made available for development assistance to the poorest countries, the largest expansion of IDA resources in two decades. Part of the funding will be used for the IDA's increased focus on infrastructure projects to provide water, communications, and power to poor communities around the world.

The World Bank approved a US$20 million grant for Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda in an effort to deepen the fight against HIV/AIDS. The Great Lakes Initiative on HIV/AIDS (GLIA) Support Project will finance prevention, care, and treatment, programs for large numbers of refugees, migrant and transport workers, highly infected groups, and others, which move between the five Great Lakes countries. The project places strong emphasis on coordinating a regional, cross-border response to combating the disease.

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

Information on the project is available at:
http://web.worldbank.org/external/projects/main...

In the 2006 budget request before Congress, the Bush administration has asked for US$3.2 billion to continue the fight against AIDS. This request represents the latest step in Bush's 2003 pledge to provide $15 billion over five years to combat the pandemic. Most of the programs' funds are aimed at 15 poor countries - 12 in Africa, plus Haiti, Guyana and Vietnam.

Details are available at:
http://www.usaid.gov/our_work/global_health/aids/pepfar.html

A new article entitle "Geomatics Firm BGJLR Maps New Plan with World Bank in Africa" has been posted in the Success Stories section of IFInet:
http://www.infoexport.gc.ca/ifinet/success/bgjlr-e.htm

April 28 & 29, 2005
IDB Headquarters, Washington, DC

The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) invites you to the Business Seminar Procurement and Projects Workshop: How to Do Business with the IDB. The workshop objective is to provide information to companies and individuals interested in working with the IDB on development projects in a variety of sectors.

Attend this two-day workshop for an in-depth look at procurement, including consulting and bidding procedures for IDB financed contracts for goods, equipment, works, and consulting services.

Workshop details and registration information is available at:
http://www.iadb.org/biz/index.cfm?language=english

April 20 - April 22, 2005
Westin Nova Scotian Hotel, Halifax

"Expanding Your Business in Developing Countries
Makes Good Business Sense"

Find out how to successfully expand your business into developing markets. Participate in private one-on-one meetings with senior representatives from the Canadian private sector, the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), International Financial Institution (IFIs) and other government agencies to discuss your specific areas of expertise and opportunities for you and your organization. Attend informative workshops that will provide you with the most up-to-date information on how to win more work from CIDA, the IFIs and other international aid agencies.

For program information, contact:
Treena Adhikari
Tel: (905) 568-8300 ext. 249
Email: treena.adhikari@cme-mec.ca

View the program online at:
http://www.cme-mec.ca/idd/2005/English/program.htm

For sponsorship and exhibitor information, contact:
George Rogerson
Tel: (819) 827-5168
Email: george@chelsea-group.net

For registration information, contact:
Micheline Bélanger
Tel: (819) 827-5931
Email: micheline@chelsea-group.net

Access the registration form online at:
http://www.cme-mec.ca/idd/2005/English/registration.htm

A US$22.5 million plan to restore food security in Africa, an initiative of the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) and the International Food Policy Research Institute, will soon be launched in four African regions. The plan gives momentum to the comprehensive Africa agriculture development programme and includes four regional implementation meetings with the aim to reach agreement on main components like region specific investment programmes, resource requirements, detailed implementation action plans and target launch dates.

For more information, please see:
http://www.nepad.org/2005/news/wmview.php?ArtID=2

The World Bank recently launched the Investment Climate Survey database. The free database draws on surveys of more than 27,000 firms and contains investment climate data for 51 countries.

The survey data provides productivity and performance indicators and measures entrepreneurs' perceptions of the investment climate in their country. Topics include government policies and services, finance, labour, law and order, and other governance aspects.

Topic snapshot reports, which highlight key investment climate areas, are available at:
http://rru.worldbank.org/InvestmentClimate/ExploreTopics/

To access the complete database, go to:
http://rru.worldbank.org/investmentclimate

The World Bank Vice President for Latin America and the Caribbean inaugurated a new Bank office in Port au Prince. The Bank had maintained only a liaison office in Haiti after reducing its presence in 2001. The World Bank has committed $US 150 million to support the International Cooperation Framework in areas such as municipal services, basic education, and disaster management.

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

For information on the Bank's program in Haiti, see:
http://www.worldbank.org/ht

The Electronic Government Procurement (e-GP) website is sponsored by the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank (ADB), and the Inter-American Development Bank (IADB). This interactive database provides information on e-GP practices adopted by governments worldwide.

Among the features offered, is a toolkit that includes advice on creating a procurement strategy, frameworks for applying online technologies to government procurement, and information on how to review a country's existing procurement environment.

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

To access the database, please go to:
http://www.mdb-egp.org/data/default.asp

Multilateral Development Banks
April 26-28 2005, Washington DC

Consulting companies, law firms, NGO's, professional associations and government organizations that are interested in developing commercial relationships with the Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) in Washington, D.C. in the areas of private sector development, public sector governance, and the rule of law are invited to participate in this trade mission organized by the World Trade Centre Montréal in partnership with International Trade Canada and the Offices of the Canadian Executive Directors at the Banks. The participants will take part in presentations, business meetings and round tables with project managers and sectoral experts, as well as with high level Canadian representatives from the World Bank (WB), the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the Asian Development Bank (BasD)

For more information, please contact:
Barbara Loyer
Tel.: (514) 871-4002 ext. 6219 or (877) 590-4040 ext. 6219
Email: bloyer@ccmm.qc.ca
Website: www.ccmm.qc.ca/wtcm_mdbdvpt

April 25th - 26th, 2005
Toronto, Canada

This two-day conference provides exporters, investors, entrepreneurs, and project managers, with a range of financial options, access to financial sources and trade opportunities in Africa. These opportunities range from large-scale infrastructure and natural resources projects to small-scale joint ventures. In addition, delegates will learn about the new Canada Investment Fund for Africa, the latest policy trends, programs and projects, and hear about real success stories.

To register or for more information, please visit:
http://finance.conference.ccafrica.ca

The World Bank gave its full backing to the Commission for Africa Report by declaring that is ready to scale up its assistance and give more money to the continent in the next ten years. According to the recently released report - US$150 billion is needed to improve infrastructure in the transportation and energy sectors. But, in addition to infrastructure, Africa wi