ALBANIA
Youth Essay Competition Announced
The Albania Country Office, in partnership with the Albania Media Institute, announced the Youth Essay Competition on April 25. The theme, “Your voice can make a difference,” is in line with the Country Assistance Strategy’s call for increased youth participation on sensitive issues such as education, youth employment, corruption, and environment protection. The winners will be announced in mid-June.
Small Grants Awarded to NGOs
The Albania Country Office announced the winners of its 2006 Small Grants Program on April 18. This year’s Program focused on improved public transparency and social accountability. Nine out of the 54 non-profit organizations that applied were selected as finalists.
Albania Quarterly Newsletter Released
The Albania Country Office issued the fifth edition of its quarterly newsletter in March. The latest edition includes recent policy developments, an economic review of the country, activities of the World Bank office, new publications, and more. Special features include an in-depth look at the new Country Assistance Strategy, as well as a story on how Albania compares to neighboring countries in international trade.
ARMENIA
World Bank Supports Renewable Energy with Technical Assistance
A press conference at the Armenia Country Office on April 7 announced the newly-approved US$8 million Renewable Energy Project, which will increase privately-owned and -operated power generation utilizing renewable energy. The Project will provide technical assistance to remove barriers for the development of renewable energy and debt financing, as well as technical, legal, managerial, and business support to a selected number of renewable projects. Country Manager Roger Robinson said that the project will contribute to the development of an additional 80 megawatts of renewable energy generation capacity during the next 5 years. Also on April 7, Roger and Minister of Finance and Economy Vardan Khachatryan signed the Credit Agreement at the Government house. Click here for the press release.
AZERBAIJAN
NGO to Administer Small Grants Program
The Azerbaijan Country Office signed a contract on April 18 with the local NGO, Azerbaijan Community Development Research and Training Center, for the administration of the 2006 Small Grants Program. The ceremony was attended by some twenty media representatives and was held at the Public Information Center. This is the first time Azerbaijan is outsourcing the Small Grants Program to a national NGO, which will act as a foundation. The goal is to support the development of domestic philanthropy and possibly community foundations. The Program will administer $34,000 this year. Click here for the story. World Bank Combats Avian Influenza in Azerbaijan
The World Bank’s Board of Directors approved US$5.1 million on March 28 to help finance avian influenza prevention, preparedness, and response activities in Azerbaijan over the short to medium term. The funds were made available by restructuring the Second Institution Building Technical Assistance Project. The restructured project includes the following four components: Veterinary Services, Human Health, Public Awareness; and Implementation Support. Additional support for Avian Flu response is planned under two new projects now under preparation, the Agriculture Development Credit Project-2 for animal health services, and the Health Sector Reform Demonstration Project for human health needs. Click here for the press release.
BELARUS
World Bank Supports Energy Efficiency in Belarus
A US$50 million loan for the Belarus Post-Chernobyl Recovery Project was approved by the World Bank’s Board of Directors on April 18. The Project will provide cleaner as well as more energy-efficient heating systems through new equipment and better insulation in schools, hospitals, and orphanages. The project will replace inefficient communal boilers and dilapidated heat distribution systems. Investments in residential gas connections will also provide clean and improved space heating to households now burning contaminated wood, peat, and other fuels inside their homes. Click here for the press release.
BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA
Bosnia Country Office Supports Civil Society
Throughout April, the Bosnia and Herzegovina Country Office prepared and finalized two key programs to support local civil society. First, a jury of representatives from the World Bank, IFC, NGO community, academia, and media selected the top employment projects to represent BiH in the 2006 Regional Development Marketplace program. Afterward, the Country Office launched its 2006 Small Grants Program.
World Bank Assists Bosnia in Modernizing Electricity Infrastructure
The government of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the World Bank finalized negotiations on April 20 on the US$286.6 million Third Energy Community of South East Europe Project aimed at modernizing the BiH electricity grid. Following the successful closure of negotiations, Premier Adnan Terzic and Country Manager Dirk Reinermann held a joint press conference, hailing this as the largest investment in postwar BiH. News about this project was broadly covered by all local and numerous regional and international media organizations.
CROATIA
World Bank-IMF Report on Domestic Debt Presented in Zagreb
The World Bank and the GDLN Center in Zagreb presented a report on April 19, Croatia: Central Government Debt Management and Domestic Debt Market Development Assessment. A videoconference linked Zagreb and Washington. Principal Financial Officer Tomas Magnusson discussed the Central Government’s debt management, and Financial Economist Yibin Mu presented the Domestic Debt Market Development portion in Washington. Senior Country Economist Sanja Madžarevic–Šujster hosted the event in Zagreb. A joint World Bank-IMF program completed the assessment in 2005. It provides an overview of and recommendations in the field of debt management and government securities market development in Croatia, with the aim of adjusting to EU best practices and identifying capacity-building needs.
KAZAKHSTAN
World Bank Holds Briefing on Environmental Projects
A press conference with representatives from the Kazakhstan Ministry of Environmental Protection and the World Bank was held in Almaty on April 19. The media were briefed on the Ministry’s activities and in particular, environmental projects implemented jointly with the Bank and other donor agencies. Special attention was given to a pilot Drylands Management Project that has shown tangible results, important both for environmental and agricultural sectors of the country. Project results and drylands rehabilitation technologies are expected to be applied in other regions of the world with similar climate conditions.
World Bank Supports Effective Public Procurement in Central Asia
The Second Central Asia Regional Public Procurement Forum was held in Almaty from April 11 to 14. Delegates from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan including public procurement officials, civil society organizations, and international and bilateral donor agencies discussed key issues in reforming public procurement in Central Asian countries and developed recommendations for further improvements in the use of public funds. Click here for the press release.
KYRGYZ REPUBLIC
Small Grants Program Winners Announced
The Kyrgyz Republic Country Office presented awards on April 19 for the 2006 Small Grants Program to 17 NGOs for various projects aimed at civic engagement and empowerment of vulnerable groups. The grants were worth up to US$3,000. The project themes are engagement of problem youth, empowerment of rural communities and especially women, people with disabilities, work migrants, and engagement of youth in addressing ecological issues. Since 1996, 98 projects have been funded for a total of US$245,000 in the Kyrgyz Republic. Bank Hosts HIPC Backgrounder for Media
The Kyrgyz Republic Country Office hosted a Highly Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) presentation for media on April 19. Country Manager Chris Lovelace, ECSPE Economist Azamat Abdymomunov, IMF Economist Bakyt Dubashev, and Acting State Secretary of the Ministry of Economy and Finance Azamat Dikanbaev provided information about the HIPC and briefed the participants about potential benefits and issues for consideration for the Kyrgyz Republic in joining the HIPC initiative. The question and answer session lasted more than one hour. Click here to see the Bank-wide press release.
MACEDONIA
State-of-the-Art Border Crossing Opened
Minister of Finance Nikola Popovski, Customs Director Vlade Dinevski, and Country Manager Sandra Bloemenkamp cut a ribbon on April 12 to open one of the most modern border crossing points in South East Europe, constructed under the Trade and Transport Facilitation in Southeast Europe Project. The European Commission identified the border crossing point “Tabanovce” as a high-priority transport corridor forming the backbone for regional development. Aiming to reduce non-tariff costs to trade and transport, as well as lessening smuggling and corruption, the World Bank initiated the Trade and Transport Facilitation in Southeast Europe project in late 2000 in 8 Southeastern Europe countries. A truck driver now waits half the time at the border as before, and Macedonian customs revenue collection per staff went up 138% between 1999 and 2004. The total cost savings were approximately US$64 million in 2004.
MOLDOVA
Impact of Energy Price Increases Assessed
The Moldova Country Office held a press conference about the likely impacts of rising gas prices on Moldova on April 20. Senior Energy Specialist Dejan Ostojic, Senior Country Economist Lawrence Bouton, and Economist Erwin Tiongson provided their analysis. A note on the impact of energy price changes on Moldova was submitted to the Government on April 18. In January, the price of natural gas increased from $80 to $110 per thousand cubic meters, and possible further increases in natural gas prices in 2006 will put additional pressures on the economy and may have adverse effects on the poorest households. The press conference was conducted by Country Manager Edward Brown. Click here for the press release. Rural Investment Project Signed
The World Bank and the Government of Moldova signed on April 13 the financing agreement for the Second Rural Investment and Services Project. Country Manager Edward Brown and Minister of Finance Mihail Pop signed the agreement. The Project is the second phase of a 2-phase World Bank Adaptable Program Credit. The implementation of the first phase, which registered very successful results, will be completed in August 2006. The newly approved project will continue to foster post-privatization growth in the agricultural and rural sectors by improving the access of farmers and rural businesses to knowledge, training, and finance, while building the capacity of private and public institutions to ensure the sustainability of these activities. Click here for the press release. Rural Education Project Signed
The World Bank and the Government of Moldova signed the financing agreement for the Quality Education in the Rural Areas of Moldova Project on April 5. Country Director Paul Bermingham and Minister of Finance Mihail Pop signed the agreement. The total amount of the Project is US$10.0 million, and it will help the Government of Moldova improve teaching and learning, as well as increase access, equity, and efficiency in rural schools. The Project will be implemented from July 2006 till May 2010. Click here for the press release.
RUSSIA
Russian Economic Report Launched
A press conference to launch the Russian Economic Report #12 was held at the Russia Country Office on April 17. The report focused on managing Stabilization Funds (Oil Reserve) assets in Russia and gave additional publicity to the Dying Too Young report. Chief Economist for Russia John Litwack presented the report. More than 30 representatives of local and international news agencies, newspapers, television, and radio participated in the conference. The Report raised great interest and was widely covered by the press. Bank’s Activities in Tatarstan Evaluated
Country Director Kristalina Georgieva and a team of World Bank specialists visited Kazan, the capital city of Tatarstan Republic, on April 6 to meet with Governor Mintimer Shaimiev, Prime Minister Rustam Minninkhanov, and members of the Republic’s government staff. The meeting assessed the initial results of the Kazan Municipal Development Loan, financed by the World Bank, and identified priority areas for future cooperation. During the official meeting, Mr. Shaimiev awarded Kristalina with a medal in celebration of the 1000th anniversary of Kazan as a sign of appreciation for the World Bank’s work in Tatarstan. Click here for the press release.
SERBIA AND MONTENEGRO
Serbian Government Adopts Judicial Reform Strategy
In early April, the Serbian government adopted the National Strategy for Judicial Reform. It set out steps to strengthen the judiciary through 2012 and focused on shortening court procedures and setting standards for the election of court officials. The document was presented to the public at a press conference hosted by the Ministry of Justice on April 14. Minister of Justice Zoran Stojkovic underlined that the Strategy was an effort to regain citizens' trust in the judiciary. Country Manager Carolyn Jungr stressed that the World Bank strongly supported the judicial reform strategy, adding that its adoption would improve the business climate in Serbia and pave the way for fighting corruption. The development of the National Strategy for Judicial Reform was financed by an Institutional Development Fund (IDF) Grant.
SLOVAK REPUBLIC
Small Grants Program Photo Exhibit Opens
The World Bank and the Open Society Foundation in Slovakia opened a photo exhibit, “Small Worlds,” about the Small Grants Program in the country. The photographs portray the projects of 14 NGOs working with youth, elderly, people with special needs, or otherwise disadvantaged groups. The exhibit is in one of the largest shopping malls in Bratislava to increase awareness of the Small Grants Program and its role in supporting civil society in Slovakia, as well as the NGOs and the final beneficiaries of the SmGP. The exhibition was opened by Iveta Radicova, Minister of Labor, Social Affairs and Family, and Country Manager Ingrid Brockova. The exhibit will travel to other regions later in 2006.
TURKEY
World Bank to Combat Avian Flu in Turkey
The World Bank’s Board of Directors approved a €27.3 million Avian Influenza and Human Pandemic Preparedness and Response Project on April 24. The objective of the Project is to minimize the threat in Turkey posed to humans by avian flu and other diseases in domestic poultry and to prepare for the control and response to an influenza pandemic and other infectious disease emergencies in humans. To achieve this, three areas will be supported: prevention, preparedness and planning, and response and containment. Achieving these goals will contribute to diminishing the burden of disease and loss of productivity in Turkey, limiting the regional spread of HPAI, and enhancing economic and social prospects at the national, regional and global levels. Click here for the press release and a feature story.
Labor Market Report Launched in Ankara
The latest World Bank labor market study for Turkey, Labor Markets and Employment Generation in Turkey, was launched on April 14 in Ankara. Minister of Economy Ali Babacan and Minister of Labor and Social Security Murat Basesgioglu attended the conference and gave opening speeches with Country Director Andrew Vorkink. The main subject of the Study is the functioning of the labor market and recommendations to improve it. The Study notes that without growth and structural changes in key areas, jobs cannot be created, irrespective of how well the labor market is functioning. The Country Economic Memorandum and the Education Sector Study are companion studies to this report.
New Loan Will Upgrade Electricity Network
The World Bank, with the Republic of Turkey and the Turkish Electricity Transmission Corporation, signed a loan agreement for €125 million on April 13 for a second project to support the third phase of the US$1 billion Energy Community of South East Europe Program. The project will continue the Bank’s support for the implementation of internal market and regional integration by financing essential system investments. The Bank has a substantial engagement in Turkey’s energy sector and is also providing technical assistance to the Government on electricity issues, including advising on the reform process. The loan to the Turkish Electricity Transmission Corporation will assist in: strengthening and expanding the transmission network to reliably meet growing electricity demand; and upgrading the transmission network in dense urban areas to minimize the risk to public safety posed by urban encroachment on existing overhead lines by replacing them with safer underground cables. Click here for the press release.
UKRAINE
Education Project Launched in Ukraine
The World Bank’s Equal Access to Quality Education in Ukraine Project was officially launched on April 18 with a press conference and two-day workshop. Acting Country Director Alexandr Kaliberda and Minister of Education and Science Stanislav Nikolayenko spoke and answered questions about the project. The Project, aimed at reforming the secondary education system in Ukraine, will help Ukraine achieve equal access to quality education and improved efficiency of the education system. The World Bank provided a US$86.59 million loan for this project. Click here for the press release.
World Bank Suspends HIV/AIDS Project in Ukraine
The World Bank suspended disbursement of the US$60 million Tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS Control Project in Ukraine on April 12 because of lack of progress in implementing the program, stating that after three years of implementation, only two percent of the $60 million has been disbursed by the government. The World Bank confirmed its commitment to supporting Ukraine’s efforts to prevent transmission and provide treatment for TB and HIV/AIDS and expressed its hope to discuss restructuring of the project with the Government to implement it effectively and rapidly. Click here for the press release. Co-Financing Signed for World Bank Social Assistance Project
Co-financing for the Social Assistance System Modernization Project was signed by Minister of Economy Arseniy Yatsenuik and Country Manager Dusan Vujovic on April 7. The grant for US$3.5 million was provided by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency. The grant is specifically intended to provide technical assistance for capacity-building in the Ministry of Labor and Social Policy, Ministry of Finance, and the State Statistic Committee of Ukraine for impact evaluation of social protection programs, result-based management and budgeting, and public education and communication of ongoing social assistance reforms and policies.
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