Country Assistance Strategy (CAS)

The Country Assistance Strategy (CAS) is the most important World Bank country document. It is tailored to the needs and circumstances of each country and lays down the World Bank Group's development priorities, as well as the level and type of assistance the Bank will provide for a period of three years.

The CAS preparation is a participatory process. Before the adoption, key elements of the strategy are discussed with government representatives; and to ensure the widest possible involvement, public dialogues are also held, with Internet-based discussions taking place in many countries.

However, the CAS is not a negotiated document. Any differences between the country's own agenda and the Bank's strategy are highlighted in the CAS document. A progress report is issued in the intervening year. More information is available at the World Bank CAS website.

Status of Assistance in Somalia

As of June 2004, there was not a Country Assistance Strategy for Somalia due to significant arrears on past debt-servicing obligations.  However as part of undertaking the World Bank Low-income Countries Under Stress (LICUS) approach in Somalia, the World Bank and United Nations Development Program issued a Re-engagement Note.  For more information, refer to the World Bank/UNDP Re-engagement Note.