Finance & Economics

World Bank Vice President for Europe and Central Asia says tackling macro-fiscal imbalances a prerequisite for faster growth and job creation in Albania

Reform support totaling $220 million signed

World Bank Vice President for Europe and Central Asia Laura Tuck completed her three-day visit to Albania, during which she had broad ranging discussions with the Government and other partners on Albania’s growth and development. She took stock of the results under the World Bank’s strong partnership with Albania, and discussed the Bank’s next five-year country partnership framework to support the country’s development priorities for growth and shared prosperity. This was Tuck’s first visit to Albania since becoming regional Vice President in September 2013.

Government of India and World Bank Sign $84 Million Agreement to Strengthen Social Protection Programs in Bihar

Over 50 million rural people expected to directly benefit from the project

The government of India, the government of Bihar and the World Bank signed a $84 million credit agreement to deliver better quality, timely and effective social protection (SP) programs for the poor and vulnerable people in Bihar.

IMF Executive Board Completes Fourth Review Under the Extended Credit Facility Arrangement for Bangladesh and Approves US$140.9 Million Disbursement

The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) completed the fourth review of Bangladesh’s economic program under a three-year arrangement supported by the Extended Credit Facility (ECF).

World Bank Delegation and Maldives President Discuss the Need to Urgently Focus on the Economy

A World Bank Group delegation, led by World Bank Vice President for the South Asia Region Philippe Le Houérou, met Maldives President Abdulla Yameen and agreed that government policy should focus urgently on getting the economy back on track, by fostering growth and consolidating public finance. Their discussion also centered on the need to reduce fiscal deficits, create a favorable investment climate for the private sector and delivery of key public services.

IMF Statement at the Conclusion of the 2014 Article IV Mission with Tuvalu

An International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission, led by Mr. Jiangyan Yu, visited Funafuti during May 21-28 to conduct the 2014 Article IV consultation discussions.

Joint IMF-Mozambique “Africa Rising” Conference Opens May 29 in Maputo

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the Government of Mozambique will host a high-level conference on Africa Rising: Building to the Future in Maputo, Mozambique, on May 29-30 that will bring together policymakers, the private sector, and civil society from sub-Saharan Africa and beyond to discuss the challenges facing the region as it builds upon the strong economic gains made since the 2008 global economic crisis.

International trade statistics: trends in first quarter 2014

Merchandise trade declines across most major economies in first quarter of 2014

Merchandise trade in US$ billion
G7 and BRICS
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Seasonally adjusted data at current prices and exchange rates

More efforts needed to tackle rising obesity, says OECD

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Obesity trends in selected OECD countries

World Bank Sanctions the Bangladeshi Company Engineering and Planning Consultants Ltd. (EPC) for Misconduct Related to an Infrastructure Project in Bangladesh

The World Bank Group announced the debarment of Engineering and Planning Consultants Ltd. (EPC) for a period of 32 months. The debarment is part of a Negotiated Resolution Agreement between the World Bank and EPC following a World Bank investigation into allegations of sanctionable practices involving the currently-debarred SNC-Lavalin Inc. and officials in Bangladesh. The period of debarment reflects cooperation with INT.

IMF Mission Statement at the Conclusion of the 2014 Article IV Discussions with the Republic of Congo

An International Monetary Fund (IMF) staff team led by Ms. Dalia Hakura, Mission Chief to the Republic of Congo, visited Brazzaville during May13-26, 2014 to conduct discussions for the Article IV consultations.