World Bank approves $24m for Kyrgyz Republic

$13.2m is highly concessionary credit, $10.8m is grant


Ppi July 08, 2016
“The proposed DPO deepens reforms in the areas of public personnel integrity, public procurement management, energy sector governance and business environment improvements,” said Jana Kunicová, Senior Public Sector Specialist at the World Bank. PHOTO: REUTERS

WASHINGTON: The World Bank’s board of executive directors on Fri­day approved a $24 million Governance and Competitiveness Development Policy Operation (DPO) for the Kyrgyz Republic.

The operation - the first in a series of two consecutive budget support operations - comprises a highly concessionary credit of $13.2 million and a grant of $10.8 million from the International Development Association.

The objective of the proposed DPO series is to support the Kyrgyz government in promoting sustained economic growth through reforms aimed at improving public sector governance and strengthening private sector competitiveness.

This objective will be achieved through policy reforms aimed at strengthening public sector integrity, improving the quality of public services, supporting the implementation of public procurement law, and improving transparency and accountability of the energy sector.

Additionally, the project will improve the business environment, support trade facilitation and promote better connectivity in a way that will enable Kyrgyz businesses to grow and create jobs.

The proposed reforms are at the core of the government’s public sector reform roadmap and private sector development strategy.

“Successful implementation of policy actions supported by this DPO will lead to fair and transparent government procedures and institutions, which, in turn, will result in a better, client-oriented provision of public services, especially to citizens with the lowest income,” said Jean-Michel Happi, Country Manager for the Kyrgyz Republic.

“Jointly with improvement in the business and regulatory climate, this will facilitate much-needed growth of the private sector, where the bottom 40% of the population engages in labour activities. The proposed operation will bring positive impact on economic growth and the sustainability of Kyrgyz economy over medium to long run and will contribute to achieving shared prosperity and inclusive growth.”

The Governance and Competitiveness Develop­ment Policy programme supports two main themes of the 2013-17 National Sustainable Development Strategy of the Kyrgyz Republic.

“The proposed DPO deepens reforms in the areas of public personnel integrity, public procurement management, energy sector governance and business environment improvements,” said Jana Kunicová, Senior Public Sector Specialist at the World Bank.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 9th, 2016.

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