Finance & Economics

Sustainable Path to Water Security Urgent Priority for Arab World

New World Bank report maps out actions needed to prevent water scarcity from impacting future growth and stability in the Middle East and North Africa

The inadequate supply of water and sanitation is costing the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region around US$21 billion per year in economic losses, according to a new World Bank report. Measures to improve the management and distribution of scarce water resources are now vital for the region’s growth and stability.

OECD GDP growth accelerates to 0.7% in second quarter of 2017

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Economic Growth in Thailand Gains Momentum, Forecast Rise to 3.5% for 2017: World Bank

Digital economy has great potential to create new opportunities

Economic growth in Thailand is gaining momentum, with global growth and a recovery from severe drought buoying an expansion of GDP by 3.3 percent in the first quarter and 3.7 percent in the second quarter of 2017, exceeding market expectations. Economic growth for the full year 2017 is now projected around 3.5 percent, says a new World Bank report.

Project Signing: World Bank Helps Bangladesh Ensure Reliable and Affordable Electricity Supply

The government of Bangladesh on August 24, signed a $59 million financing agreement with the World Bank to improve reliability and efficiency of the country’s power system, with the aim to provide reliable and low cost electricity to citizens.

To seize the opportunities of digitalisation, Southeast Asia needs to close the gap between Technology 4.0 and Policy 1.0

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IMF Executive Board Concludes 2017 Article IV Consultation with the Kingdom of Bahrain

On June 5, 2017, the Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) concluded the Article IV consultation with the Kingdom of Bahrain.

Moldovans to Benefit from Modernization of Government Administrative Services

Moldovan citizens will be able to access more efficient, higher quality government administrative services, thanks to US$20 million in funding for the Modernization of Government Services Project, on August 22, approved by the World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors.

World Bank to Support China in Agricultural Land Pollution Control

The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors on August 22, approved a $100 million loan to demonstrate a risk-based integrated approach to managing heavy metal pollution in agricultural land in China’s Hunan Province in support of the government’s efforts to ensure food safety and security for the population.

IMF, AMF, AFESD and Government of Morocco To Host Regional Conference: “Opportunity for All—Promoting Growth, Jobs, and Inclusiveness in the Arab World”

The International Monetary Fund (IMF), Arab Monetary Fund (AMF), Arab Fund for Social and Economic Development (AFESD) and Government of Morocco will co-host a high-level conference in Marrakesh, January 29–30, 2018, on promoting higher economic growth, job creation, and inclusiveness in the Arab World.

Statement of an IMF Mission at the End of its Visit to Guinea

An International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission led by Giorgia Albertin visited Conakry from July 31 to August 15, 2017 to negotiate a new program that could be supported by an Extended Credit Facility (ECF).