Finance & Economics | WPN World People News

The World Bank Group celebrated 20th anniversary of its engagement in Kosovo, which dates back to 1999, when the World Bank Group joined international efforts to support Kosovo’s reconstruction and recovery and opened a field office in the country. Kosovo became a full member of the World Bank Group with representation on its governing Board and full access to financing and services provided by the five institutions of the World Bank Group in June 2009.

Government representatives from North Macedonia, Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) and Serbia met in Skopje for a regional conference on Air Quality Management - Issues, Solutions, and Financing Approaches, on November21. Jointly hosted by the Government of North Macedonia and the World Bank, the conference was an opportunity to learn from experiences from the Western Balkans and from EU and other countries (such as India and China) about innovative ways to approach air quality management, mobilize knowledge, and encourage stronger regional cooperation in this area.

The World Bank (International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, IBRD rated Aaa/AAA) issued a USD 28.6 million 5-year Sustainable Development Bond as part of ongoing efforts to raise awareness for the vital role fresh and saltwater resources play for people, livelihoods, and the planet.

As part of a UNDP-led green renovation project, technicians install solar panels at a police academy in Rajaf, South Sudan.

The diversity and quality of jobs available in Cambodia is improving, yet new policies are needed for Cambodia to benefit from the opportunities available in future global markets, according to a World Bank report, Cambodia’s Future Jobs: Linking to the Economy of Tomorrow, released on November 19.

An International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission, led by Karen Ongley, visited Freetown during October 30-November 13, 2019 to conduct the 2019 Article IV consultation and the second review of the IMF arrangement under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF), approved by the Executive Board on November 30, 2018.

Economic growth in Ukraine picked up to 3.6 percent in the first half of 2019 and 4.2 percent in the third quarter driven by a strong agricultural harvest and consumption growth from higher wages, remittances, and a resumption of consumer lending, according to the World Bank’s latest Ukraine Economic Update. At the same time, investment growth has not yet picked up to levels needed for stronger and sustained economic growth.

The World Bank (International Bank for Reconstruction and Development or IBRD, Aaa/AAA) launched a 7-year SEK 2 billion Sustainable Development Bond as it continues to engage with investors to raise awareness for water and ocean resources. The bond is due in November 2026. Swedbank acted as sole lead manager for the transaction.

On November 13, 2019, the Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) concluded the Article IV consultation with Greece.