Public Information Center (PIC)

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What is the Public Information Center?

The World Bank Public Information Center (PIC) is the focal point for providing access to World Bank publications, reports and other development-related materials. These centers support the World Bank's Disclosure Policy to be open about its activities and to explain its work to the widest possible audience.

What are the Hours, Location, and Contacts?

Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday                                                                                                      8:00am to 12:00 noon                                                                                            1:00pm - 4:00pm

Location:
World Bank Office, Vientiane, Patou Xay, Nehru Road, Phonexay Village,
P.O. Box 345 c/o UNDP, Vientiane - Lao PDR

Contact Person:
Ms. Souridahak Sakonhninhom
Telephone: (856-21) 414209
Fax: (856-21) 414210
Email: ssakonhninhom@worldbank.org

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Who Can Use the Center?

The Centers are open to the public. No fee is required to use the PIC. Users can access information through the Internet and thousands of World Bank publications and other development-related materials.                                                                                                                                      Note: due to size constraints, users should contact the PIC to ensure proper access before visiting.

What Services are Offered?

The Public Information Center's services include:

• online access to World Bank project documents, publications, and other development-related publications;
• access to a special collection of CDs and videotapes on development;
• access to development sites on the Internet;
• online access to World Bank projects, documents and reports; and
• an extensive cataloguing system (Global Jolis) that allows users to see the collection of around 60 World Bank PICs around the world.

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What Reports and Documents are Available?

Among the Reports and Documents available at the Public Information Center are:

  Project Information Documents (PIDs): These are documents that give brief summaries of evolving projects. These are updated and expanded as the project preparation proceeds.                              
  Project Appraisal Documents (PADs): These contain descriptions of a project and the plan for its implementation, including procurement procedures. These are made available to the public after presentation to the Board.
  Economic Sector Reports: These include macroeconomic analysis of the economy, analyses of major economic sectors and other reports on specified issues, such as poverty assessment, etc. Environmental Assessments (EAs). EAs are detailed studies required for projects likely to have significant impact on the environment. Such studies are available before the final appraisal of the viability of the project.
  Loan (or Development Credit) Agreements: These are records of loan amounts and terms and conditions on which the loan is made. It also records the borrower's general commitment to the project objectives. It is made available to the public after the loan agreement is signed and declared effective or ready for disbursement.
  Bidding and Consultant Documents: These provide guidelines for borrowers and their implementing agencies in the procurement of goods, works and consulting services.
  UN Development Business: A United Nations publication that publishes general procurement notices for goods, works, and services to be procured through international competitive bidding for each Bank-financed project.

Additional Information Sources

Free access to World Bank publications is also available through the depository library program. Studies and reports are also available for sale through local distributors.
  Depository Libraries
  Local Book Distributors

More Information:
 ePIC: the new virtual catalog of the World Bank. Here you can find information on development data, reports, and World Bank activities available at Public Information Center in Lao PDR and around the globe.
 Publications and Reports available at the Public Information Center.

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