 The Uruguay Country Assistance Strategy (CAS) is the detailed report on the World Bank's priority areas to assist countries with their own development programs. It describes all of the World Bank's planned operations in Uruguay: lending, studies and other technical assistance.
Uruguay: World Bank Announces New Country Assistance Strategy and Loans to Support Social Programs, Transport, and Natural Resources
WASHINGTON, June 9, 2005 — The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors today discussed the new Country Assistance Strategy (CAS) for Uruguay, which projects financial assistance of up to US$800 million between 2005 and 2010, as well as technical and advisory services. In addition, the Board of Directors approved a Social Program Development Policy Loan and two investment projects for transport infrastructure and natural resources management.
“Now that the economy is rebounding from the crisis, the Government’s priorities have shifted from crisis response to the achievement of longer-term equitable and sustainable economic development,” said Axel van Trotsenburg, World Bank Country Director for Argentina, Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay. “The new strategy, accompanied by these three projects, represents a strong beginning to a renewed partnership with Uruguay in supporting critical public policies and investments.”
The new Bank’s program of lending and advisory services supports the new administration’s development plan “Government of Change –Responsible Transition (El Gobierno de Cambio – La Transición Responsable)”. To achieve equitable and sustainable economic development, the Government faces three broad development challenges: reducing vulnerability, sustaining growth, and improving living standards.
The new CAS is the result of close collaboration with the Government and has benefited from wide consultations with government and non-governmental representatives including youth groups, private sector, international agencies and academia.
During the Board discussion, Executive Directors appreciated the wide ranging reforms undertaken so far, but stressed the need to further pursue structural reforms to ensure longer-term equitable and sustainable development. Directors welcomed the smooth political transition following the October 2004 elections. They noted the Government’s commitment to maintain macroeconomic stability and pursue sustainable economic and social development, including increased efforts to help the poor. Several Directors emphasized the importance of private sector participation and the potential for IFC and MIGA to contribute in these areas.
In addition to discussing the CAS, the Board approved three new operations for a total of US$175 million to support social programs, and investments in transport and natural resources.
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