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March 5, 2007
HIGHLIGHTS FULL CONTENTS 
 Vietnam Poultry Markets Rebound, Anti-AHI Measures Set Worldwide Model
In 2003, the Ha Vy market in Vietnam was devastated when the deadly H5N1 virus or Avian and Human Influenza (AHI) hit the area hard. The market had to close for two months, nobody dared to even pass by as thousands of poultry died in the area. Suddenly, this quiet province in rural Vietnam was at the centre of worldwide pandemic fears.
Fast forward to February 2007 and the market is back in full swing. But a few things have changed. On entering the area, the wheels of all vehicles are sprayed with disinfectant, lime powder covers high traffic areas of the market and, at regular intervals, animal health teams take blood samples from ducks and chickens. Many people in the market wear protective face masks and there’s a definite new awareness of the risks to human health and the local economy that another outbreak could bring.
World Bank Vice President Visits Cambodia
Jim Adams, the Bank's vice president for the region, concluded a two-day visit to Cambodia after meeting with Prime Minister Hun Sen. He congratulated the Royal Government of Cambodia on the achievements of the last decade, including peace and stability, reforms and high growth, which have led to poverty reduction and an improvement in people’s lives. He said that he was very impressed with what he saw during his visit, and recognized that Cambodia had come a long way in the last decade.
Climate Changes Have Heavy Impact on Vietnam
The impact of sea level rise from global warming could be catastrophic for many developing countries – including Vietnam, whose up to 16% of area, 35% of population and 35% of GDP can be affected if sea level rise by 5 metres. For reference, if the Greenland ice sheet were to melt completely, it would raise average sea level by approximately 7 meters. This is the finding of a new World Bank working paper, “The impact of sea level rise on developing countries : a comparative analysis”. Indonesia: 17 MDF Projects on Track to Help Aceh & Nias to Build Back Better
The Steering Committee of the Multidonor Fund met in Banda Aceh with the new Governor Irwandi Yusuf, to review the portfolio performance and announce a new grant of US$64 million from the UK. Only one of the 17 projects, the land titling program, is considered to be performing poorly. Bank Calls for Enhanced Expressway Network in China
China has developed its expressway network in 15 years, but central and provincial governments must address a growing number of road assets that demand maintenance and safe operations as well as financing mechanisms for balanced development. A Bank study presented at a joint seminar with the Chinese Ministry of Communications proposes the implementation of enhanced planning, financing, and management approaches to ensure the sustainable upkeep and effective management of expressway assets and facilitate the distribution of opportunities across Chinese regions. Lao PDR: 2020 Vision Achievable if the Country Sustains and Builds on its Reforms
“The 2020 vision is achievable if Lao PDR sustains and builds on its reforms,” said new World Bank Vice President for East Asia and Pacific Region Mr. James W. Adams, in reference to the country’s goal of getting out of Least Developed Country status by 2020, and joining the ranks of middle income countries. Mr. Adams spent four days in Lao PDR visiting World Bank-financed projects in Khammouane and Savannakhet Province and in Xaythani District, as well as meeting with high-level Government officials and the donor, private sector and civil society communities in Vientiane. Philippines: Better Governance Key to Sustaining Growth, Improving Lives
Curbing corruption, reducing politically motivated public spending, and overcoming "regulatory capture" will all be essential for translating recent economic gains and strong fiscal performance into sustained high growth. The effectiveness of institutions that manage public funds, those that regulate key sectors and oversee public-private partnerships in infrastructure will determine the future direction of the Philippine economy.
In a recent lecture at the University of the Philippines School of Economics, Danny Leipziger, Vice President and Head of Poverty Reduction and Economic Management at the World Bank, said that the quality of institutions affects investment and growth, citing a World Bank study that shows that countries where public institutions score highly tend to achieve high levels of global competitiveness. More Bank news at www.worldbank.org/news Back to top
China Quarterly Update
China’s internal macro challenges remain manageable, but the external imbalance is on the rise, notes the World Bank’s China Quarterly Update released today. “Thus, policy measures that address domestic concerns could ideally also reduce the external imbalance,” says Bert Hofman, Lead Economist for China.
Economic growth eased slightly in the second half of 2006. Investment cooled in the second half in response to tightening measures introduced mid-2006. However, as exports continued to outpace imports by a wide margin, the impact on overall growth was largely offset and the external surplus reached new highs, while foreign reserve accumulation continued apace.
Press release | Report - 138k pdf Indonesia: Forest Report Shifts the Focus to People, Not Trees
A Bank report explores the challenge of harnessing Indonesia’s significant forest resources to better contribute to growth, rural livelihoods and environmental protection. The report, “Sustaining Economic Growth, Rural Livelihoods, and Environmental Benefits: Strategic Options for Forest Assistance in Indonesia,” examines how donors and development agencies can assist key players in implementing more sustainable and equitable forest governance and management programs. Poor governance has led to considerable environmental degradation: over 25 million ha of the forest estate no longer has trees. It has led to a significant loss of rural livelihoods, a poor investment climate and diverted public revenues from development.
Executive summary - 80k pdf | Full report - 6.5mb pdf Indonesia Public Expenditure Review 2007
Indonesia Indonesia has had the largest increase in fiscal resources for development since the 1973 oil revenue windfall, according to "Spending for Development -- Making the Most of Indonesia’s New Opportunities,” a report by the government and the Bank. A sharp reduction in fuel subsidies in 2005, declining debt service payments and increasing revenues provided added resources to support critical development needs. The findings are part of a public expenditure review that for the first time compiled spending and economic data from all levels of government. The report examines some of the constraints facing the government in public resource management and allocation, and offers recommendations for improvements in areas such as fiscal space, education, health, infrastructure, public financial management and decentralization.
Press release | Executive summary -744k pdf | Full report- 2mb pdf
More Bank publications and reports at www.worldbank.org/reference
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 Project profile and results: Lao PDR - Poverty Reduction Fund Project
Through a different, more participative approach to poverty alleviation, Lao villagers are setting the agenda of the Poverty Reduction Fund Project. Over three years of activities, more than 1,200 subprojects have been selected, completed and implemented by poor communities in five provinces, 20 districts and nearly 2,000 villages with an investment of US$8.6 million. Approved: CHINA - Second Shandong Environment Project
US$147 million to improve the environmental conditions in participating municipalities/counties through a package of priority interventions, including upgrading and development of wastewater collection and treatment facilities, river embankment rehabilitation, solid waste management, water supply improvements, industrial pollution monitoring, and enhancement of the financial performance and efficiency of key urban environmental service agencies.
Press release | Project details INDONESIA - Farmer Empowerment through Agricultural Technology and Information Project
US$147 million to improve the environmental conditions in participating municipalities/counties through a package of priority interventions, including upgrading and development of wastewater collection and treatment facilities, river embankment rehabilitation, solid waste management, water supply improvements, industrial pollution monitoring, and enhancement of the financial performance and efficiency of key urban environmental service agencies.
Press release | Project details
New and revised project information documents:
China - Meishan Coke Dry Quenching Mongolia - Enhanced Justice Sector Services Vietnam - HIFU Development Project Vietnam - School Education Quality Assurance For more information on projects and programs, visit http://www.worldbank.org/projects Back to top 
Development Marketplace 2007 Announces Finalists
One hundred and five project teams from around the world have been invited to Bank headquarters May 22-23 to display their projects and vie for grant funding in the final round of the 2007 Global Development Marketplace competition. This year’s Development Marketplace -- which paired up with the Bank’s Health, Nutrition and Population units to focus on improving health, nutrition and population services for the poor -- attracted a record high of nearly 2,900 applicants.
List of finalists from the East Asia & Pacific region | More on Development Marketplace
Fraud and corruption – Discussion transcript
Questions about the Bank's recent report on its investigations into allegations of fraud and corruption in Bank-financed projects were answered by Suzanne Folsom, Counselor to the President and Director of the Bank's Integrity Department, at a recent online discussion. Ms Folsom addressed your questions about how the Bank responds to allegations of corruption in its projects, as well as how the institution deals with complaints regarding possible staff misconduct.Report | Discussion transcript International Day for Women's Rights and International Peace
March 8
This year's theme is “Ending Impunity for Violence against Women and Girls.”
International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
March 21
The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination was first established in 1966, following the massacre of young students peacefully protesting against apartheid laws in Sharpeville, South Africa. Proclaiming the International Day, the United Nations General Assembly called upon the international community to redouble its efforts to eliminate all forms of racial discrimination. Each year, UNESCO puts together a program to sensitize the public of the dangers represented by the current rise of racism, xenophobia and intolerance. World Day for Water
March 27
Activities for this year's theme, "Coping with Water Scarcity," will be guided by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, and will include workshops, children's activities and awareness meetings around the world. 
Philippines – Finance Analyst
Manila, Philippines
Application deadline: March 12
Register as a Vendor
This site offers a series of tools, forms and instructions about becoming a registered vendor with the Bank, eligible to bid on projects and learn about contracting opportunities. In addition to guidelines on eligibility and procedures, there are frequently asked questions, an online registration form and a password-protected area that allows you to update the form. For a full list of open positions and scholarships http://www.worldbank.org/jobs Back to top
 Bank Listing of Ineligible Firms
The firms and individuals listed on this Web site are ineligible to be awarded a Bank-financed contract for the periods indicated because they were found to have violated the
fraud and corruption provisions of the Procurement Guidelines or the Consultants Guidelines, clauses 1.14 and 1.22, respectively. These findings were made through an administrative process that permitted the accused firms and individuals to respond to the allegations. This process was conducted in accordance with the Sanctions Committee Procedures adopted on August 2, 2001. Back to top
Five years from now, millions of people, even many in remote regions of developing countries, could be doing their banking with cell phones or other high-tech devices. That’s the goal of a US$26 million program that will use technology to deliver banking services to poor people around the world. If successful, it will help developing countries “leapfrog” many stages of financial sector development, says the Consultative Group to Assist the Poor, an independent institution housed at the Bank that is joining with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to finance the initiative.
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