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Debt sustainability or defensive deterrence?

This paper looks at the mechanics and the internal inconsistencies of the World Bank's policy response to the nascent issue of 'free riding', trying to determine why impoverished developing countries at risk of debt distress may be 'forced' to borrow at non-concessional terms in order to finance MDG investments. Moreover, it looks at who these new lenders are, and tries to establish the consequences of their appearance. China seems to be by far the most important 'new kid on the block' in the lending arena, but there are also other examples of lenders which are offering low conditionality, high cost finance. These include regional institutions such as the Corporación Andina de Fomento (CAF), some other export credit agencies, and perhaps private funds. It is extremely interesting to try to assess the impact of the related conditionalities - or rather the lack of these - on recipients' socio-economic balance. (Francesco Oddone, Eurodad, January 2007)

http://www.eurodad.org/debt/report.aspx?id=118&item=0446

(Added: Thu Jan 11 2007   Modified: Tue Sep 23 2008   Hits: 237)

Monitoring MDBs IN South Asia: Issues, Challenges, Opportunities

The purpose of the Scoping Report exercise was to take stock of civil society initiatives in South Asia aimed at monitoring the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank investments, both at the policy and project levels. The report looks at India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal. (Bank Information Center, August 2006) 5. Sri Lanka 5. Sri Lanka

http://www.bicusa.org/bicusa/issues/SA_Scoping_Report_2006.pdf

(Added: Fri Aug 18 2006   Hits: 74)

The Bank of International Settlements

The Bank for International Settlements was established in 1930. It is the world's oldest international financial institution and remains the principal centre for international central bank cooperation. The BIS * Aims at promoting monetary and financial stability * Acts as a forum for discussion and cooperation among central banks and the financial community * Acts as a bank to central banks and international organisations

http://www.bis.org

(Added: Wed Jun 15 2005   Modified: Tue Aug 15 2006   Hits: 68)

Andean Development Corporation

The Andean Development Corporation (Corporacion Andina de Fomento in Spanish) is a development bank mainly owned by countries of the Andean zone. This institution finances development projects in Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela, and supports government efforts in sustainable development, debt relief and capacity building. A good source of information for those interested in development projects within the Andean zone. The main version is in Spanish, but it also offers an english version.

http://www.caf.com

(Added: Mon May 10 2004   Modified: Thu Sep 22 2005   Hits: 357)

As I Say Not As I Do:A Critique of G-7 Proposals on Reforming the MDBs (PDF)

By Devesh Kapur, Department of Government, Harvard University, April 2002. "This paper focuses on the World Bank and, where necessary, on other MDBs and the IMF. The paper addresses three key issues raised by the G-7: 1. The restructuring of IDA with a part of its lending in the form of grants rather than loans. 2. The volume of support by MDBs for Global Public Goods (GPGs) and the rankings and priorities among them. 3. Harmonization of procedures, policies and overlapping mandates among MDBs."

http://ksghome.harvard.edu/%7E.drodrik.academic.ksg/G24Kapur.pdf

(Added: Mon Sep 01 2003   Modified: Tue Aug 22 2006   Hits: 413)

Caribbean Development Bank (CDB)

The CDB intends to be the leading Caribbean development finance institution, working in an efficient, responsive and collaborative manner with our borrowing members, towards the systematic reduction of poverty in their countries, through social and economic development

http://www.caribank.org/

(Added: Wed Apr 16 2003   Modified: Thu Sep 22 2005   Hits: 240)

Development Bank of South Africa

The DBSA's key purpose is to address socio-economic imbalances and help improve the quality of life of the people of South and southern Africa

http://www.dbsa.org/

(Added: Mon Mar 01 1999   Modified: Thu Sep 22 2005   Hits: 431)

European Bank for Reconstruction and Development

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development was established in 1991 when communism was crumbling in central and eastern Europe and ex-soviet countries needed support to nurture a new private sector in a democratic environment. Today the EBRD uses the tools of investment to help build market economies and democracies in 27 countries from central Europe to central Asia. The EBRD is the largest single investor in the region and mobilises significant foreign direct investment beyond its own financing. It is owned by 60 countries and two intergovernmental institutions. But despite its public sector shareholders, it invests mainly in private enterprises, usually together with commercial partners. It provides project financing for banks, industries and businesses, both new ventures and investments in existing companies. It also works with publicly owned companies, to support privatisation, restructuring state-owned firms and improvement of municipal services. The Bank uses its close relationship with governments in the region to promote policies that will bolster the business environment. The mandate of the EBRD stipulates that it must only work in countries that are committed to democratic principles. Respect for the environment is part of the strong corporate governance attached to all EBRD investments.

http://www.ebrd.com/

(Added: Mon Mar 01 1999   Modified: Thu Sep 22 2005   Hits: 537)