World Bank Trade Strategy and working with WB on Trade-related programmes

21/06/2010

Summary

In the recent Trade and Private Sector Development training workshop in Kuala Lumpur, we agreed to have an exchange of views and experience sharing on the cooperation with international organisations, notably with the World Bank Group. We take the opportunity of the recent launch of the consultations with the WB on their Trade Strategy to have an informal discussion and reflection on our field experience with them.

Background

The WB Group (i.e: IBRD, IDA, IFC and MIGA) has launched consultations on their upcoming Trade Strategy to better define their future role in the field of trade. A meeting has been organised in Brussels on 24th June between the World Bank Group and the Commission Services on this issue. more info in attached file "WBG Trade Strategy Discussion paper(approach).pdf" and in this link

The questions that the WB asks in their consultations are:

-How should the World Bank Group allocate its activities between work at the global level and work at the country level?
-At the country level, the World Bank Group supports developing countries through several means: financing; technical assistance and capacity building; and research and policy analysis. Which mix of activities would be most effective in helping countries use trade to promote economic growth and poverty reduction?
-Compared to other providers of Aid for Trade, where does the World Bank Group have the greatest strengths in supporting countries on trade issues?
-In which areas of the World Bank Group’s current trade program should other partners – such as regional development banks, bilateral donors, and international agencies –take the lead?

-How can the World Bank Group help address regional integration challenges?

Objective of this discussion group

The consultations about the WB strategy are very broad, and the questions asked also very general. It is suggested to focus our discussions on the following:

1. What is your experience with the World Bank on Trade-related activities in your country, how do you see their role played at country level and where do they have a comparative advantage?

2. Is there a specific Trade-related programme implemented by the World Bank where other partners should take the lead?

3. Any general comments on their strategy and their consultation process if relevant

The discussion will be moderated by Alessandra Lustrati and Bryan Fornari, AIDCO E2, and will remain open for one month.

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