Republic

World Bank approves new Country Assistance Strategy for Belarus for 2008-2011

The World Bank has approved the new Country Assistance Strategy (CAS) for Belarus for 2008-2011, BelTA has been told in the World Bank Office in Belarus. The new CAS supporting the country’s development was prepared in the course of the consultations with government of Belarus and representatives of organizations, the private sector and international agencies. Over the next four years the World Bank plans to provide about $100 million a year in long-term loans to support the country in addressing global environment and energy challenges, enhancing the competitiveness of its economy to assure rising incomes and protecting the welfare of the most vulnerable people. “Perhaps more important than the financial resources that the Bank provides, is its role as a leading external source of economic and social analysis and a facilitator in discussing policy choices within the country. We look forward to continuing this very positive engagement under the Bank’s new Country Assistance Strategy”, said Paul Bermingham, World Bank Country Director for Ukraine, Belarus and Moldova. In addition to discussing the CAS, the World Bank Board of Directors approved additional financing in amount of $15 million for the Social Infrastructure Retrofitting Project. The loan will be used to improve functional and health environments of social sector facilities across Belarus, with particular emphasis on improving energy efficiency. The initial IBRD loan of $22.6 million for the Social Infrastructure Retrofitting Project was approved in 2001. The project has already yielded positive results. About 600 schools, kindergartens, hospitals, and outpatient clinics were renovated under the loan in all country regions, resulting in a 20-25% reduction in energy consumption. “The Government of Belarus has identified three priority areas where World Bank financial support is needed including improvement of energy efficiency, ensuring quality of water and reliability of water supply systems, and environmental conservation and waste processing. The approved loan will contribute to the government’s efforts to improve the quality and cost-effectiveness of services for Belarus’ citizens. We are also discussing possible operations in water and energy sectors, which could be supported by the World Bank”, said Paul Bermingham.