Overview

The PSLO network is a network of business intermediary organizations (chambers of commerce and industry, business and trade associations, or investment promotion agencies) working to foster trade and investment between countries with the support of the World Bank Group’s products and services. The network consists of liaison officers - private sector communications professionals - appointed, based in and financed by their respective business intermediary organizations.  The officers facilitate local companies’ access to WBG business opportunities, services and knowledge and act as the voice of their national private sector in advising the WBG on how to better engage companies on development issues.

Trained by WBG staff, the PSLO develops an expertise on WBG activities. The officer disseminates information  about WBG business opportunities (procurement, IFC, MIGA, trust funds), facilitates contacts between local companies and the Bank Group, organizes consultations on development issues of interest to the private sector (investment climate, Public Private Partnerships, carbon funds, HIV/AIDS, etc.) and provides information on the Bank’s knowledge resources and partnership opportunities. Although PSLOs do not have exclusivity as an entry point for companies interested in the WBG, their “insiders’ knowledge” of the World Bank Group and their local business community give them a distinct competitive advantage.

Launched in Europe in January 1999 as a joint World Bank, IFC and MIGA initiative, the PSLO network includes today some 100 PSLOs in 79 countries (63 in Europe, Middle East & Africa, 18 in South & East Asia and 19 in North America & South America).

PSLO Directory

The World Bank Group has been in continuous contact for many years with thousands of intermediary organizations worldwide. Now, with the PSLO network, we are in constant dialogue with faces, with people who will be able to tell us what we have to do to perform our core mission of poverty alleviation better.

Outreach and Cooperation with the Private Sector