The World Bank in Latin America and the Caribbean - A guide to the expert resources available from the Latin America and Caribbean Region of the ...
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A globAl pArtner for A region on the rise The World Bank in Latin America and the Caribbean A guide to the expert resources available from the Latin America and Caribbean Region of the World Bank
A GLOBAL PARTNER FOR A REGION ON THE RISE The World Bank in Latin America and the Caribbean A guide to the expert resources available from the Latin America and Caribbean Region of the World Bank WO R K I N G TO G E T H E R TOWA R D O P P O RT U N I T Y F O R A L L
Using this guide The aim of this reference guide is to provide a quick introduction to the work of the Latin America and Caribbean Region of the World Bank. Designed as a point of departure for peo- ple in government, business, civil society, and the media, the guide offers a sketch of the region’s development challenges, a short description of the World Bank and its programs, a guide to speakers and subject-matter experts available through the Bank, and directions for those needing further information. The World Bank 1818 H Street, NW, Washington, DC 20433 USA tel: +1 202 473 1000 fax: +1 202 477 6391 www.worldbank.org/lac © 2010 International Bank for Reconstruction and Development/World Bank. All rights reserved. Design: Marc Alain Meadows Editor: Steven B. Kennedy
one
Contents About the World bank 4
two
Development challenges in a region of
remarkable diversity 6
three
the World bank: A global institution in touch
with regional needs and efforts 10
four
organization and staffing of the World bank’s
latin America and aribbean region 16
five
from a global partner for a region on the rise:
A roster of experts 21
six
external affairs and communication contacts 30
T
hrough loans, innovative ∫ Playing a more active role with
financial solutions, policy regional and global public goods
advice, and technical as- on issues crossing national borders,
sistance, the World Bank supports including climate change, HIV/AIDS,
a broad range of programs aimed malaria, and aid for trade.
at reducing poverty and improving ∫ Supporting those advancing de-
living standards in the developing velopment and opportunity in the
world. Two entities make up the Arab world.
Bank. The International Bank for
∫ Fostering a knowledge-and-
Reconstruction and Development
learning agenda across the World
(IBRD), founded in 1944, makes
Bank Group to support its role as a
One long-term loans to middle-income
brain trust of applied experience.
and creditworthy poorer countries.
The International Development Within the international commu-
About the
Association (IDA), founded in 1960, nity, the Bank has helped build
World bank provides long-term financing to consensus around the idea that de-
the world’s poorest countries in veloping countries must take the
the form of interest-free loans and lead in creating their own strate-
grants.* gies for poverty reduction. It also
plays a key role in helping countries
Working through both IBRD and
achieve the Millennium Develop-
IDA, the Bank uses its financial re-
ment Goals, which the United
sources, skilled staff, and extensive
Nations and broader international
knowledge base to help developing
community seek to achieve by
countries generate opportunities
2015.
for all and enhance growth with
care for the environment, and cre- The vice presidential unit is the
ate individual opportunity and main organizational unit of the
hope. To achieve this, World Bank World Bank. The vice presidencies
president Robert B. Zoellick has correspond to a world region, such
outlined six strategic themes: as Latin America and the
∫ Helping to overcome poverty Caribbean, a thematic network, or
and spur sustainable growth in the a central function. The network
poorest countries, especially in vice presidencies cut across the re-
Africa. gional vice presidencies in the
form of a matrix. This arrange-
∫ Addressing the special chal-
ment helps to ensure an
lenges of states coming out of con-
appropriate mix of experience and
flict.
expertise in development work.
∫ Developing a competitive
menu of “development solutions” The World Bank has six regional
* The World Bank Group includes, in addition for middle-income countries, in- vice presidencies: Africa (Sub-Saha-
to the IBRD and IDA, the International Finance volving customized services as ran), East Asia and Pacific, Europe
Corporation (IFC) and two other institutions. well as finance. and Central Asia, Latin America and
The World Bank in Latin America and the Caribbean
the Caribbean, the Middle East and country. Additionally, many coun- Even though IBRD’s bottom line is
North Africa, and South Asia. Latin try offices are supported by public development impact, it has earned
America and the Caribbean is information centers (PICs), which a positive net income each year
responsible for 20 percent of Bank serve as a central contact for indi- since 1948. This income funds de-
lending (IBRD/IDA), and for more viduals seeking information on velopment activities and ensures fi-
than one-third of all IBRD lending Bank operations. nancial strength, enabling low-cost
(32 percent average over the past borrowing in capital markets and
Many development projects ap-
decade). good terms for borrowing coun-
proved by the Bank involve active
tries. In addition, IBRD sets aside
In recent years, decentralization has participation by nongovernmental
net income transfers to assist and
been a top priority, with the goal organizations in their implemen-
facilitate the role of IDA through
being to bring a higher proportion tation, and most of the Bank’s
interest-free loans and grants to
of Bank staff into closer proximity country strategies benefit from
the poorest countries.
with their clients. For example, consultations with civil society or-
two-thirds of country directors ganizations—a wide array of non- The entire World Bank project
have been relocated from Bank governmental and not-for-profit portfolio, from 1944 to the present,
headquarters in Washington, DC, organizations that have a presence is available online. Users can search
to the field. in public life, expressing the inter- in the projects database or in proj-
ests and values of their members, ect documents, contract awards, or
As part of their work, country of-
or other organizations that are documents on analytical and advi-
fices coordinate and partner with
based on ethical, cultural, political, sory work. The search can be de-
member governments, other key
scientific, religious, environmental, fined by any combination of the
stakeholders, and international
or philanthropic considerations. following: keyword, region, coun-
donor agencies operating in the
try or area, theme, sector, year ap-
proved, and several other criteria.
Web links to information about the World Bank
Annual report www.worldbank.org/annualreport
Business and investment opportunities www.worldbank.org/businesscenter
Cooperation with civil society www.worldbank.org/civilsociety
Country assistance strategies www.worldbank.org/cas
Data and research econ.worldbank.org
Documents and reports www-wds.worldbank.org
Employment with the World Bank www.worldbank.org/jobs
Latin America and the Caribbean Region www.worldbank.org/lac
Projects, policies, and strategies www.worldbank.org/projects
Public information centers www.worldbank.org/pics
Policy on disclosure of information www.worldbank.org/disclosure
Reference Guide L
atin America and the cultural roots, political context, and
Caribbean is a region of availability of technical capacity. A
great diversity. Its people few countries have achieved rela-
speak Spanish, Portuguese, English, tively high per capita incomes and
French, and some 400 indigenous now look toward convergence with
languages. Its topography and oecd countries. On the other end of
ecosystems range from tropical is- the spectrum is a small group of
lands to high sierras and altiplanos, very poor countries (Haiti,Guyana,
rainforests, deserts, and sprawling Nicaragua, Honduras) that are still
plains. It is the most urbanized re- struggling to build institutions and
gion in the developing world, with provide basic services to their popu-
Two three-quarters of its people living in lations. The world’s largest group of
and around cities. Natural resources middle-income countries is ranged
and agriculture are important to between these two extremes.
Development
many of its economies, which in-
challenges in a clude some of the world’s largest Economic overview
region of remark- ones, such as Brazil and Mexico, as
Latin America is moving from a
well as some of its smallest, for in-
able diversity stance in the Caribbean or Central
period of expansion to one of adjust-
ment. Because of the global financial
America.
crisis, economic growth will stag-
Theregionisrichlyendowedwithnat- nate, unemployment rates will rise,
ural resources and holds the world’s poverty will increase, and there will
greatestconcentrationof biodiversity. be fewer public resources to meet in-
Sustainable use of these resources creased social needs.
poses many challenges, including in
The region is a victim, not the per-
the area of water, land, and forest
petrator of the global crisis. The ef-
management.
fects are being transmitted through
The differences between countries the real sector, and commendably
relate not only to size, geographic the financial sectors in most coun-
location, cultural roots, political con- tries in the region have remained
text, and social composition, but also relatively strong due to better finan-
to economic characteristics includ- cial regulation and supervision dur-
ing income per capita, access to capi- ing the last decade.
tal markets, strength of institutions,
The crisis has brought to a sudden
halt more than five years of sustained
About the region economic growth in the region—av-
Population, millions 556.15 eraging 5.3 percent per year—fueled
Population growth , percentage 1.3 in part by the adoption of responsi-
Gross national income per capita, us$ 4,785 ble macro and fiscal policies, and in
Life expectancy at birth, years 73 part by the boom in commodity
source: World Development Indicators 2008, World Bank. prices. Latin America had started to
reduce poverty and for the first time
The World Bank in Latin America and the Caribbeanin 30 years it had slowly begun to re- (Brazil,Chile,ColombiaandPeru). Several countries in the region are re-
verse the rates of inequality. SomecountriessuchasPeruwill lying on innovative World Bank
Nonetheless, the economic crisis has maintaingrowthbutatlowerlevels. financial tools, such as Deferred Dis-
stunted economic growth. bursement Options (DDO) loans,
Towards a rapid regional which consist of contingent lines of
Throughouttheregion,households
recovery credit, to shield themselves from this
aswellasbusinessesandgovern-
crisis. These instruments have
mentshavebeenfeelingtheeffectsof TohelpLatinAmericangovern-
strengthened fiscal management,
thepronouncedcreditcrunch.Re- mentsfighttheeffectsof increasingly
competitiveness, the business cli-
mittanceflowscontractedsignifi- deterioratingeconomicconditions,
mate and environmental manage-
cantly,withparticularlystrongnega- theWorldBankhasbeenrapidlyre-
ment in countries like Peru, Colom-
tiveeffectsinMexico,Central spondingtotheregion’sdemands.
bia, Costa Rica and Uruguay, where
AmericaandtheCaribbean(sixper- TheBankincreaseditslendingcom-
outlays totaled $1.645 billion.
centdeclineinrealtermsin2008,with mitmenttotheregionin2009toap-
apossible10percentfor2009).The proximately$14billionforthefiscal Governments in the region can
CentralAmericannationsandMex- year ending June 2009, more than make a difference by advancing the
icoaremorelikelytosufferthemost doublingregularlendingvolumes. employment policies and programs
astheireconomicandtraderelations that create jobs both for the public
To reinforce social protection net-
arecloselytiedtotheU.S.economy, and private sectors. In this regard,
works for the most vulnerable with
theepicenterof thefinancialcrisis. the IFC is implementing specific
extra funding and technical expert-
Mexico,alsoimpactedbytheIn- programs to support the private sec-
ise, the Bank also will provide more
fluenzaA/H1N1forexample,willex- tor in the region with special empha-
than $2 billion in 2009 to expand
periencenegativegrowthin2009. sis on micro, small and medium en-
Conditional Cash Transfer pro-
terprises—the type of companies
Regional exports also have fallen as a grams such as Brazil’s ‘Bolsa
that generate the most jobs—as well
consequence of contracting interna- Familia’, Mexico’s ‘Oportunidades’
as providing trade finance to restart
tional demand for commodities, and similar programs in Colombia
markets that have been affected by
which have dropped to 2007 price and Central America to meet in-
the crises. For example, the IFC’s
levels, decreasing revenues for ex- creased needs. The Bank also is con-
Microfinance Liquidity Facility ap-
port-reliant countries. Argentina has sidering further expansion of social
proved in January 2009 already is
nationalized its pension system to protection initiatives.
supporting this important sector in
help maintain fiscal balance. Oil ex-
Furthermore,countriesintheregion Bolivia, Ecuador, El Salvador,
porting nations such as Venezuela
are being encouraged to take advan- Nicaragua and Peru.
and Ecuador will need to adjust
tage of the present crisis to review
spending to compensate for a short- These efforts are being comple-
theirpolicieson“universalsubsidies.”
fall in revenues due to the drop in mented by the fiscal stimulus pack-
The region annually spends between
international oil prices. ages adopted by several countries in
five to 10 percent of GDP on subsidies
the region, which are supported by
Asthecrisisunfolded,somecountries to various sectors (for example en-
the Bank through policy develop-
weremoreresilientthanotherstothe ergy and education). Approximately
ment loans or direct investment in
toxiceffectsof thefinancialmelt- one-third of this is captured by the
infrastructure. The multi-million
down,suchasthosethatsavedduring top income earning 20 percent of the
dollar fiscal stimulus initiatives for
thegoodtimes(Chile,Peru),and population. This would be enough
Argentina, Brazil, Peru, Mexico and
thosewithdiversifiedmarketsand to triple (or more) directtransferpro-
Chile could link short-term goals
strongtiestotheAsianeconomies gramsforthepoor.
Reference Guide such as job creation and higher con- Salvador, and Ecuador during early Theregioncontinuestograpplewith
sumption with long-term goals like 2009, and additional contests are thechallengeof ensuringthattheben-
increased global market presence taking place in Chile, Uruguay and efitsof growthreacheveryone.In-
through a sustained investment in Bolivia. Legislative elections will equalityinthismainlymiddle-income
infrastructure, trade facilitation, ed- take place in Argentina and Mexico. regionisamongthehighestinthe
ucational and logistical quality. It is precisely during this crisis, and in world,withtherichest10percentof
defining governance junctures, that thepopulationreceiving41percentof
This crisis period also should be seen
leadership will be needed to main- totalincomeandthepoorestjust1per-
as an opportunity to lay the ground-
tain sound economic management, cent.Recentdeclinesininequalityare
work for a sustainable recovery and
protect recent social gains, cushion smallandlargelyreflectsignificantre-
growth through increased competi-
the external shock and facilitate the ductionsinBrazilandasmaller,butstill
tiveness. Structural challenges, re-
resumption of growth once the important,reductioninMexico.They
sulting from the region’s critical
storm has passed. This is a time to arenonethelesssignificantbecause
need for increased investments in
act and responsible leadership is cru- theyfollowalongperiodof virtually
education and infrastructure, can
cial. Latin America will participate stagnatingpovertyandinequalityand
start to be addressed through coun-
in the global solution to the financial areoccurringatatimewheninequality
tercyclical measures being put in
crisis if the way forward is aimed at isrisinginotherworldregions.
place in several countries. Beyond
creating a global environment with
the financial assistance to mitigate LatinAmericamanagedtoliftalmost
opportunities for all.
the economic turmoil, World Bank 60millionpeopleoutof povertyduring
experts will be actively contributing The region has made notable strides thestronggrowthperiodfrom2002-
to the Latin American public debate in strengthening the legitimacy of 2008asaresultof thesteadyeconomic
about how best to stimulate a rapid public institutions. After decades of growthof thepastfewyears,coupled
regional recovery. military rule and instability, virtu- withmorepro-poorpublicexpendi-
ally all Latin American and tures,includingtargetedcashtransfer
In April, the Inter-American Devel-
Caribbean countries are now led by programs.Themostpronouncedde-
opment Bank (IADB) and the Inter-
governments with broad popular le- clineshaveoccuredinMexico,Ar-
American Investment Corporation
gitimacy. Over the past five years, gentina,Colombia,ChileandBrazil.
(IIC), the World Bank Group (IBRD,
nearly all countries in the region
IFC, and MIGA), Corporación Andina Thecountriesof theregionvarycon-
held national and subnational elec-
de Fomento (CAF), the Caribbean De- siderablyinlevelsof socialdevelop-
tions that generally were character-
velopment Bank (CDB) and the Cen- ment.Whilethereiscontinuous
ized by high levels of participation.
tral American Bank for Economic progressineducationandhealthserv-
The elections themselves were
Integration (CABEI) announced that icecoverage,thequalityof education
deemed largely free and fair and
they will increase their support to remainsrelativelylow,andthereare
paved the way for peaceful transfers
the region by providing as much as persistentdifferencesinaccesstobasic
of government.
$90 billion during the next two years servicesacrossincomeandethnic
in a joint effort to spur economic Decision-making has become more groups.
growth by coordinating their crisis transparent and legislatures and the
response initiatives. media are providing more effective Trend lines
oversight of government policies
governance and social overview A rare combination of three powerful
and actions. This is happening in
forces is pulling the region’s countries
Latin America witnessed smooth parallel to the continous strengthen-
in sometimes opposite directions.
electoral processes in Panama, El ing of the judiciary.
The World Bank in Latin America and the CaribbeanThose forces are an irreversible ingly have the means to match their Globalization has forced Latin
process of political inclusion, an ir- popular mandate. They decide over American and Caribbean countries
repressible demand for wealth redis- a fast growing proportion of the to maintain a business climate that
tribution, and the inescapable disci- spending of the public sector—as attracts private investors. The bench-
plines of global integration which much as half in Colombia, the re- mark here is the World Economic
have been partly questioned because gional decentralization pioneer. Forum’s Global Competitiveness In-
of the crisis. How Latin American dex, where the region tends to per-
With the advent of more frequent
and Caribbean leaders handle those form poorly. In Transparency Inter-
and more disaggregated household
three forces (with participatory gov- national’s Corruption Perception
surveys, it is possible to calculate
ernments or with authoritarianism, Index, only Chile and Uruguay make
how much of each subsidy is cap-
with solidarity or with elitism, with it into the 25 least corrupt countries
tured by whom.
integration or isolationism) will de- worldwide.
fine whether Latin America and the Gradually, these fiscal aberrations
Yet change is in the air. The old days
Caribbean becomes a region full of are being untangled and becoming
of business by bribery are ending.
economic tigers or a distant com- part of the political agenda. The re-
Today, contracts are posted, scruti-
petitor. sult will be a shift in budget resources
nized,anddebatedonline.TheSEPA
towards those that really need them.
Although highly exclusive as re- program in Argentina is a case in
cently as 25 years ago, the region’s And integration with the world point. SEPA is an open, Web-based in-
political systems are now wide open. economy? formation system for planning and
Women, indigenous and mestizo monitoring Bank-financed projects.
The countries of Latin America and
leaders have taken office in cities, Through SEPA, the public has easy ac-
the Caribbean generally have not
congresses, cabinets and presiden- cess to detailed information on
managed to gather in the fruits of
cies. But the new political inclusion Bank-financed contracts. The sys-
globalization, which is widely seen
goes well beyond the gender and tem is designed to eliminate corrup-
in the region as a process that has
skin color of the leadership. The tion and collusion in procurement.
benefited elites. Poverty, inequality,
verymechanismsforpublicdecision-
and social polarization remain high, According to Latinobarómetro’s
making have changed in a funda-
and social mobility low. The current poll, conducted in 18 countries
mental way. Latin Americans and
crisis reinforces this perception. across the region, a majority of
Caribbeans have created institu-
Latin Americans remain confident
tions that allow people to be part of The region’s trade during the last
in the democratic system and mar-
that decision-making—literally. A two decades has been equivalent to
ket economy but signal that they
new language of popular participa- around 40 percent of its GDP, com-
would like to see a fairer distribution
tion has developed—participatory pared with almost 70 percent of GDP
of income and a state that can guar-
budgeting, tables of dialogue, citi- in the European Union. Neverthe-
antee the basic rights of the popula-
zen oversight, national accords, less, “globalization” has become a
tion. The message is clear: the peo-
strategy consultations, electronic divisiveissueinLatinAmerica. For
ple of the region would like a
windows to the public accounts. the people of the region “globalizat-
combination of a market economy
ion” is not really about trade. It is
One of the most relevant symptoms and public policies that provide in-
about the collection of uncomfort-
of political inclusion is the accelerat- creased social equity.
able disciplines that integration—
ing drive toward “decentralization,”
commercially, financially, techno-
that is, devolution of power to local
logically—with the world entails.
governments. Local officials increas-
Reference Guide T
he Bank is tailoring assis- ing, donor coordination, and spe-
tance to meet the needs of cialized support for fragile states.
citizens in Latin America An immediate priority is to support
and the Caribbean in ways that re- countries in addressing the global
flect the major improvements in economic crisis by putting in place
their financial position and institu- economic and social policies to pre-
tional capacity over the past decade. serve and protect the social gains
The World Bank provided $14 bil- achieved during the past 10 years.
lion in financing for Latin America The World Bank, through IBRD, has
and the Caribbean in fiscal 2009. significantly increased its counter-
Most of this financing took the cyclical financing role by almost
Three form of ibrd loans. The largest tripling its investment projects to
borrowers were Brazil, Colombia, Latin America to $14 billion for the
the World bank: Argentina and Mexico. fiscal year ending June 2009. These
additional resources are critical to
A global institution sustain jobs and social gains, boost
The World Bank’s strategy
in touch with for the region ongoing public sector programs
regional needs and World Bank support for the re-
and inject liquidity into countries
where needed.
efforts gion—accessible through a com-
petitive menu of diversified and in- pillar
novative products and services at Sustaining growth and
the global, regional, and national creating jobs
levels—rests on four pillars.
The favorable economic environ-
∫ Sustaining growth and creating
ment of recent years has not trans-
good jobs
lated into rapid growth for the
∫ Generating opportunities for all countries of the region. The Bank
∫ Strengthening institutions and seeks to address the underlying
improving governance causes of slow growth and lagging
∫ Supporting regional engage- productivity in four ways:
ment in the solution of global ∫ Increasing infrastructure in-
“The World Bank contributes to
issues vestment through partnerships
leveling the playing field in areas
For middle-income countries, the with the private sector, particularly
such as climate change and trade
Bank offers an integrated package logistics, transport, and energy,
between rich countries and Latin
America and the Caribbean. It also of services, including analysis and ∫ Expanding skills training and
does this through development pro- advice, country dialogue aimed at employment opportunities for
grams in each country which seek facilitating innovative solutions, fi- youth
to provide opportunities for all.” nancing, and assistance with the ∫ Improving the climate for busi-
implementation of financed proj- ness and investment by eliminating
—Pamela Cox, vice president ects. For low-income countries, the red tape and reducing crime and
Latin America and Caribbean Region, Bank provides concessional financ- violence
World Bank
The World Bank in Latin America and the Caribbean∫ Strengthening the financial sec- tricity, transport links to markets)
tor and domestic financial markets are particularly critical because
to reduce economic volatility poverty in the region is still dispro-
portionately rural.
The region’s competitiveness
hinges on better infrastructure.
pillar 2
The sharp decline in investment in
Creating opportunity for all
infrastructure over the last decade
is holding back the region’s eco- When citizens have a wider choice
nomic growth, hobbling efforts to of economic opportunities, they
create jobs and increase opportu- have a better chance of lifting them-
nitues, and limiting the region’s selves out of poverty. For that rea- Mission statement of
ability to compete with China and son, the World Bank is working the Latin America and
other dynamic Asian economies. with countries across the region to Caribbean vice presidency
Bank support for infrastructure in- increase access to education, health, of the World Bank
cludes new financing to improve and public infrastructure for all.
The mission of Latin America
road infrastructure in Argentina, and the Caribbean Vice Presidency
In Paraguay an innovative subsidy
state highway management in is to help Latin American and
scheme is bringing small private
Brazil, and water supply and sani- Caribbean countries achieve sus-
water companies to hitherto un-
tation in rural and small towns in tained growth and provide their
served small towns and rural areas.
Ecuador. Two Bank-financed proj- citizens with equal opportunity
In the Andes, a media outreach
ects in Peru have rehabilitated for all access to jobs, services, and
campaign is engaging parents in
13,000 kilometers of rural roads, assets; reduce poverty and in-
more accurately monitoring and
reducing travel time by an average equality; and strengthen natural
addressing nutrition problems,
of 68 percent; the road rehabilita- resource management.
with very tangible outcomes in
tion has also increased school en-
child growth. Health insurance to
rollment by 8 percent and visits to
increase poor households’ access
health centers by 55 percent. Infra-
to services is being implemented in
structure investments in rural areas
Argentina, Nicaragua, and
(irrigation, storage facilities, elec-
Panama.
World Bank involvement in Latin America and
the Caribbean
FY06 FY07 FY08
New lending projects
IBRD 51 43 39
IDA 13 13 19
New commitments (uS$ billion) . . .
IBRD 5.65 4.35 4.35
IDA 0.26 0.20 0.31
source: Latin America and Caribbean Region, World Bank.
Reference Guide The Bank seeks to improve eco- vide access to nutrition programs consumption by 15 percentage
nomic infrastructure and services for 400,000 children. points in targeted households, and
in areas with high concentrations ∫ A $150 million development children under two years of age
of poor households. The focus is policy loan in Peru will help define grew taller.
on increasing productivity of small standards and set goals in primary ∫ In Ecuador, between 2003 and
farmers through infrastructure in- education, health, and nutrition so 2005, secondary enrollment grew
vestments (irrigation roads, stor- that families can better measure 10 percentage points and child la-
age facilities, and electricity), and their children’s progress. bor fell 17 points among benefici-
support for innovation and im- ary families of the Bono de Desar-
∫ Major new lending in fiscal
proved linkages with markets—in- rollo Humano (Human
2008 included $136 million for the
cluding fostering partnerships with Development Transfer) program.
Brazil Family Health Extension
large exporters and other firms. In
program to train family health Promoting greater participation
Peru and Nicaragua, Bank-funded
workers to provide basic services and inclusion of women, indige-
agricultural research is promoting
to urban residents and an $18.5 mil- nous peoples, and other excluded
improved agricultural technolo-
lion IDA loan to Bolivia to expand groups is a priority for the Bank in
gies; land administration projects
the quality and coverage of health the region. In Mexico, the Gen-
in northeast Brazil, Honduras, and
services to women and children. erosidad project has helped to
Guatemala are helping smallhold-
ers to gain secure title to their Since the late 1990s, the World build greater gender equity—for
land; and in southern Mexico, an Bank has been a partner in the suc- example, by improving women’s
innovative operation is providing cessful conditional cash transfer access to income-generation pro-
young farmers with land. programs pioneered in Mexico and grams. In Ecuador, Colombia, and
Brazil. It is now helping other Guyana, Bank support has helped
The Bank is helping to provide mi- indigenous peoples and Afro-
countries in the region and beyond
cro, small, and medium businesses descendants gain title to land.
to adapt this experience to their
with increased access to credit and
own needs. The programs provide The main educational challenge in
financial and export facilitation
cash to poor families that agree to the region is to improve quality.
services. Competitiveness and ru-
make verifiable investments in hu- With Bank support, progress is be-
ral finance projects in Central
man capital—for example, regular ing made.
America and the Andes are advanc-
school attendance or use of basic
ing this agenda. ∫ In Grenada, a basic education
health care services. Over the
project helped reduce repetition
More examples of the Bank’s re- years, for example, the Bank has
rates in secondary schools from
solve to expand opportunity follow. provided $572 million for the Bolsa
11.6 percent to 1.3 percent between
∫ With a $300 million loan, the Familia program, the flagship of
1994–95 and 2000–01, while halving
Bank is helping Argentina to ex- social policy in Brazil and the
the rates in primary schools.
pand Plan Nacer, which reduces in- largest conditional cash transfer
program in the world. Bolsa and ∫ In disadvantaged communities
fant mortality by increasing access
similar programs are showing in 14 of Mexico’s poorest states, a
to basic health services for unin-
results. primary education project helped
sured mothers and children.
increase completion rates in early
∫ A $200 million loan to Colom- ∫ In Colombia, beneficiaries of
and elementary education (up to
bia will fund health insurance for the Familias en Acción (Families in
age 11) from 66 percent in 1994–95
13.7 million poor people and pro- Action) program increased average
to 80 percent in 2000–01.
2 The World Bank in Latin America and the Caribbeanpillar porting the government’s efforts to ∫ The Bank worked with other
Strengthening institutions make public procurement and fi- partners to create the Caribbean
and improving governance nancial management more trans- Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facil-
parent and efficient with a $100 ity, the world’s first multicountry
Effective, transparent institutions
million development policy loan. catastrophe-insurance pool, which
are required to support growth
∫ In Mexico, the Federal Institute helps participating countries re-
and social inclusion. The Bank is
for Access to Information is using a cover more quickly from hurricanes
promoting good governance at
grant to implement the country’s and earthquakes. IDA provided
subnational levels as part of its
freedom-of-information act, one $23.2 million to help lower-income
campaign for greater transparency
of the first laws of its kind in the Caribbean states participate in the
and efficiency in national fiscal ex-
region. facility.
penditures and public financial
management. ∫ In Honduras, the Bank is im- ∫ In Costa Rica, an ecomarkets
proving accountability for health- project is helping to protect
Efforts to strengthen public institu- 100,000 hectares of forests and en-
care delivery through decentral-
tions are increasingly focused on able small landowners, especially
ized clinics operating under
sectoral governance. Two goals are women and indigenous groups, to
performance-based contracts.
to achieve greater transparency in conserve forest ecosystems. In
infrastructure regulations and poli- ∫ In Peru, the Bank is helping to
Brazil, a $73 million trust fund
cies and to prevent fraud and cor- modernize the justice system,
managed by the World Bank is
ruption in contract awards and im- making it more accessible to in-
supporting a program to preserve
plementation. Innovative research digenous people and the poor.
the Amazon rainforest. In Ar-
on corporate governance in state gentina, a $60 million loan will
enterprises in infrastructure is un- pillar
benefit small producers who inte-
derway to identify opportunities Supporting regional
grate conservation measures into
for improvement in corporate engagement in the solution
forestry development activities.
management. A benchmarking ex- of global issues
The goal is to preserve biodiversity
ercise will assess the quality of reg- Countries in Latin America and the in protected areas.
ulatory agencies in the electricity Caribbean are increasingly active in ∫ To fight HIV/AIDS, the Bank is
sector. efforts to improve international promoting awareness of the dis-
To reduce corruption and ineffi- trade, address global health threats, ease and helping countries with
ciency in the provision of social promote renewable energy, and prevention, monitoring, diagnosis,
services, analytical work is focused mitigate climate change. World and treatment policies and pro-
both on “grand” corruption, in Bank assistance in this area has grams. The Bank has 13 active
pharmaceutical and medical sup- taken a variety of forms. projects supporting countries’ ef-
plies procurement, for example, ∫ The region has a substantial forts to address the spread of
and on “petty” corruption, such as comparative advantage in agricul- HIV/AIDS, including regional initia-
high absenteeism among educa- tural trade. The Bank is working tives in Central America and the
tion and health workers. Social sec- with Brazil and other partners to Caribbean, where rates of infec-
tor projects rely on citizen over- provide analytical inputs that help tion are second only to Africa.
sight to promote fair and open to strengthen their position in in- ∫ Responding quickly to the
competition for contracts. ternational trade debates. escalation of world food prices, the
∫ In Guatemala, the Bank is sup- World Bank in May 2008 formed a
Reference Guide $1.2 billion rapid financing facility and electricity interconnections to delivering a range of knowledge
to address immediate needs. The support energy diversification and services and developing new finan-
fund includes $200 million in exploit synergies in the region. cial and lending products that bet-
grants for the most vulnerable na- ter meet our clients’ expectations,
The Bank recognizes that the re-
tions, such as Haiti and Honduras. while increasing flexibility and re-
gion is an important source of in-
The new facility also includes a ducing response times. Countries
novation and learning in terms of
Multi-Donor Trust Fund to sup- engage with the Bank primarily to
South-South and even South-North
port the rapid delivery of seeds tap its pool of expertise in their ef-
knowledge. For example, Chile’s
and fertilizer to small farmers in forts to define solutions to com-
pension reform has influenced
advance of the planting season. plex challenges, such as developing
pension reform efforts in both de-
∫ In February 2008, more than domestic debt markets and manag-
veloping countries and in the oecd,
100 legislators from the G8 coun- ing portfolio risks. In fact, the
and conditional cash transfer pro-
tries and five emerging economies Latin America and Caribbean Re-
grams, which originated in Mex-
(Brazil, China, India, Mexico, and gion provides advisory and analyti-
ico, are being replicated world-
South Africa) gathered in Brasilia cal activities tailored to evolving
wide—from Asia to New York City.
to participate in a major interna- country demands. Knowledge
Similarly, Brazil is the world leader
tional forum on climate change, services cover a range of activities
in ethanol production from sugar
the GLOBE G8+5 Legislators Forum. including strategic studies, policy
cane, and Costa Rica’s pioneering
Participating lawmakers discussed advice, long-term technical advi-
program of payments for conser-
and agreed on a “Post 2012 Cli- sory assistance, impact evaluation
vation and environmental services
mate Change Framework,” and a and implementation support.
could be a model for other coun-
bio-fuels statement, both formally tries to emulate. The Caribbean’s In 2007, the World Bank an-
presented to G8 leaders ahead of Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facil- nounced that it would reduce loan
the G8 summit in Japan on July 7– ity demonstrates the benefits of costs and simplify management
9, 2008. The summit was co-hosted capital pooling mechanisms and is procedures for loans to middle-in-
by GLOBE and the COM+ Alliance, being replicated in tsunami-prone come countries and creditworthy
of which the World Bank is a areas of the Pacific Rim. In this low-income countries. And in
founding member. context, the Bank is not only bring- March 2008, Colombia became the
∫ A key objective in the energy ing its technical expertise and first country to benefit from a new
sector is to help the region to man- global knowledge to bear on the Bank policy that significantly ex-
age the effects of climate change. region’s development problems, tends loan maturities. The Bank’s
This includes developing alterna- but its work in the region is also Executive Board approved a $300
tive energy resources in a socially adding to its development knowl- million loan that will support the
and environmentally sustainable edge which, in turn, benefits other country’s efforts to finance higher
manner. Priorities are exploring clients. education for low-income stu-
the potential of hydropower and dents. The longer maturities help
of sugar-based ethanol to help Advancing the World Bank’s Colombia match the terms of the
meet the region’s demand for en- agenda for middle-income student loans with its borrowings
ergy. At the request of partner countries from the Bank.
countries, the Bank is promoting a
The Latin America and Caribbean Supporting the efforts of middle-
dialogue on cross-border energy
Region is spearheading the Bank’s income countries to address global
trade and expanding natural gas
middle-income country agenda, issues at home has been an impor-
The World Bank in Latin America and the Caribbeantant priority. In fiscal 2008, the structure, reduce the income gap Among bilateral contributors,
Bank approved a $501 million loan between the Northeast and the rest Japan, Spain and the United States
to support Mexico’s efforts to of the country, and cut Amazon were the principal donors to Latin
mainstream climate change consid- deforestation by half. America and the Caribbean in the
erations in public policy. The loan ∫ In fiscal 2007, the Bank lent fiscal year that ended in June 2009.
is designed to decrease the adverse Colombia $300 million to promote In 2009, the new $40 million Span-
environmental impacts of climate business productivity and invest- ish Fund for Latin America and the
change by reducing greenhouse ment, as well as $207 million to im- Caribbean (SFLAC) was established
gas emissions and concentrations prove transport systems in medium to provide resources to enhance
on a voluntary basis. and large cities. the impact of the Bank Group’s de-
velopment activities, both analyti-
Many countries in the region have ∫ The Bank lent Argentina $200
cal and operational, in the region.
welcomed the improved Deferred million to help poor and unem-
Drawdown Option, a product that ployed workers acquire the skills Diverse trust fund programs
allows countries to defer disburse- they need to find jobs. support development goals in the
ments of approved loans. The prod- ∫ Peru borrowed $200 million to region, including the Global Envi-
uct is designed for countries that improve its fiscal management sys- ronment Facility (GEF), Institu-
have no immediate need for funds tems. tional Development Fund (IDF),
but that might suddenly need them Gender Trust Fund, Policy and
∫ In Brazil, the Bank helped the
if unforeseen events made it diffi- Human Resources Development,
state of Minas Gerais achieve a
cult for them to access the capital the Public-Private Infrastructure
major fiscal turnaround, an experi-
markets. Advisory Facility, the Japan Social
ence that is being studied and
Development Fund (JSDF), the
Other highlights of LCR’s work adapted by other Brazilian states.
Brazilian Rain Forest (BRF), Debt
with middle-income countries:
∫ In Uruguay, the Bank success- Reduction Facility, the Ozone
∫ A new partnership strategy for fully executed a bond transaction Phase-Out Trust Fund, the Educa-
Mexico, approved in April 2008, in Uruguayan pesos, the first time tion for All Fast Track Initiative,
provides flexible, on-demand advi- the Bank has provided assistance and the Global Food Crisis Reform
sory and technical services while using funds raised in the country’s Program.
also exemplifying the role of the own currency.
World Bank as a provider of long- Regional trust fund programs are
term finance at very competitive aligned with World Bank Group,
Partnering to support Latin
interest rates. Most lending will be regional, and country-specific
America and the Caribbean
consolidated into an annual loan strategies as they concentrate pre-
Activities supported through trust dominantly on global public goods,
that supports the government’s
funds are essential to the assistance which look to champion common
own national development strategy.
the Bank provides to clients in the donor objectives across the region
Under the new partnership strat-
region. The Latin America and through a wide range of activities,
egy for Brazil, approved in May
Caribbean Region benefits from including technical assistance,
2008, the Bank will provide less
partnerships developed with a co-financing, debt service, project
financing and more knowledge
wide range of donors for a total of preparation, social funds, opera-
services to the federal government.
$1.03 billion. A number of trust tions policy and carbon finance.
Most of the financing will go to
funds that support regional initia-
state programs to improve infra-
tives involve several donors.
Reference Guide T
he Latin America and the gether, the World Bank operates of-
Caribbean Vice Presidency fices in 19 countries in the region—
is one of six regional vice all except Chile, Costa Rica, and
presidencies in the World Bank. It is some Caribbean states. As part of
headed by the regional vice presi- their work, country offices coordi-
dent and divided into country, sec- nate and partner with member gov-
tor, and regional units. Of approxi- ernments, representatives of civil so-
mately 725 staff members, some ciety, and other international donor
500 were based at the World Bank’s agencies operating in the country.
headquarters in Washington, with
In addition to the country manage-
the rest working in the Bank’s
ment units, the regional vice
Four member countries in the region.
presidency has four sector units
Structure corresponding to the World Bank’s
organization and thematic networks. These net-
Thirty countries in the region are
staffing of the eligible for World Bank borrowing.
works were created to link staff
members working in the same
World bank’s latin They are grouped in six country fields of development with their
America and management units, as follows: colleagues in other regions and
∫ Colombia, Mexico with partners working outside the
aribbean region
∫ Central America: Costa Rica, Bank. The four units are:
El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, ∫ Human development (educa-
Nicaragua, Panama tion, health, and social protection)
∫ Caribbean: Bahamas, Barbados, ∫ Poverty reduction and eco-
Belize, Dominican Republic, nomic management (economic pol-
Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Suriname, icy, finance and private sector,
Trinidad and Tobago, and the poverty, and public sector)
members of the Organization of ∫ Sustainable development (agri-
Eastern Caribbean States (Antigua culture and rural development, the
and Barbuda, Commonwealth of Brazil rain forest unit, energy, envi-
Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, ronment, social development,
St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, and transport, and urban)
St. Vincent and the Grenadines).
∫ Operations services (develop-
∫ Brazil ment effectiveness, financial man-
∫ Andes: Bolivia, Ecuador, Peru, agement, information technology,
Venezuela and procurement).
∫ Southern Cone: Argentina, Five other regional units are
Chile, Paraguay, Uruguay headed by the chief economist, the
Six country directors head the coun- communications manager, the di-
try management units, four of rector for strategy and operations,
whom are based in the field and two the chief administrative officer, and
are based in Washington, DC. Alto- the human resources manager.
The World Bank in Latin America and the CaribbeanRegional management team Augusto de la torre, regional chief ment in the Latin America and
economist Caribbean Region of the World
pamela ox, vice president, Latin
Before assuming Bank. Previously, he was responsi-
America and the Caribbean Region
the region’s chief ble for the Country Economics
Pamela Cox has economist, Augusto Unit in the Operational Policy and
been the World de la Torre was a Country Services vice presidency,
Bank’s vice presi- senior advisor responsible for fi- overseeing policy-based lending
dent for the Latin nancial matters in Latin America and country assistance strategies.
American region since January and the Caribbean. Since joining In that position, he led the World
2005. A development economist, the Bank in October 1997, he has Bank’s approach to conditionality
she has held management posi- published extensively on a broad and the replacement of adjust-
tions in various countries and re- range of macroeconomic and fi- ment lending with its modernized
gions since joining the Bank in nancial development topics. approach of development policy
1980. support.
Mr. de la Torre’s tenure as head of
From 2000 to 2004, Ms. Cox was di- the Central Bank of Ecuador Mr. Koeberle holds a Ph.D. in eco-
rector of strategy and operations in (1993–96) earned him Euromoney nomics from Cambridge Univer-
the Office of the Vice President for magazine’s nomination as “Best sity. He has published books and
the Africa Region, where she over- Latin Central Banker” in 1996. articles on development econom-
saw the increase of Bank lending to From 1986 to 1992 he was an econ- ics, competitiveness, public sector
the poorest African countries. Pre- omist with the International Mon- reform, conditionality, and budget
viously, she had served as country etary Fund, including a stint as the support.
director for South Africa, Botswana, imf’s resident representative in
Lesotho, Namibia, and Swaziland. Venezuela.
During 1994–96, she was chief of
A member of the Carnegie Net-
the Country Operations Division in
work of Economic Reformers,
East Asia, covering Vietnam, Laos,
Mr. de la Torre earned his Ph.D. in
Cambodia, Myanmar, the Philip-
economics at the University of
pines, Malaysia, Thailand, and
Notre Dame.
Korea. During the early years of
her career in the Bank, Ms. Cox
stefan g. Koeberle, director, strat-
was an economist working on agri-
egy and operations
cultural and environmental issues
Stefan G. Koeberle
in East Asia, South Asia, and Latin
has been in his cur-
America.
rent position since
A U.S. national, Ms. Cox holds two
January 2009. Since
masters degrees and a Ph.D. in de-
moving from the German Devel-
velopment economics and policy
opment Institute to the World
from the Fletcher School at Tufts
Bank in 1993, he has worked in a
University in Boston, Massachu-
variety of countries and regions.
setts. She speaks English, Spanish,
Before assuming his current posi-
Portuguese, French, and Swedish.
tion, Mr. Koeberle was director of
the Operations Services Depart-
Reference Guide Marcelo giugale, sector director, Before joining the World Bank, Ms.
poverty reduction and economic man- Frigenti worked in development
agement cooperation for the Italian Ministry
Marcelo Giugale’s of Foreign Affairs and for the
20 years of experi- United Nations Economic Com-
ence as an interna- mission for Latin America and the
tional development Caribbean. She holds a laurea
leader span the Middle East, East- magna cum laude in history and
ern Europe, Central Asia, and modern philosophy from the Uni-
Latin America. He has published versity of Rome.
widely on economic policy, finance,
development economics, business, laura tuck, sector director, sustain-
agriculture, and applied economet- able development
rics. He was the chief editor of col- Laura Tuck has
lections of policy notes published been the director of
for the presidential transitions in the region’s Sustain-
Mexico (2000), Colombia (2002), able Development
Ecuador (2003), Bolivia (2006), and Department since it was expanded
Peru (2006). Decorated by the gov- in January, 2007. Earlier she di-
ernments of Bolivia and Peru, he rected a narrower program of the
has taught at the American Univer- same name. Before she moved to
sity in Cairo, the London School of the Latin America Region, Ms.
Economics, and the Universidad Tuck was the director for sustain-
Católica Argentina. able development in the Europe
and Central Asia Region, a position
laura frigenti, country director, she held from 2002 to 2006. Before
Central America that assignment, she was a sector
In her present posi- manager for agriculture and rural
tion since January development in Europe and Cen-
2008, Laura Frigenti tral Asia for five years.
joined the Bank in Earlier in her career, Ms. Tuck was
1994 in the Population and Human a lead economist in the office of
Development Division of the Africa the chief economist for the Europe
Region. Since then she has held sev- and Central Asia Region, and for
eral positions in the Bank including agricultural operations in the Mid-
lead specialist for social protection dle East and North Africa. Before
in the Africa Region and country coming to the Bank in 1987, she
program coordinator for Turkey. worked as an agricultural econo-
For five years before assuming her mist in Africa and served on the
current position, she was sector faculty of Princeton University.
manager for human development in
Eastern and Central Africa.
The World Bank in Latin America and the CaribbeanYvonne tsikata, country director, evangeline Javier, sector director, Diop worked at the International
Caribbean human development Monetary Fund, served as Senegal’s
minister of economy and finance,
Yvonne Tsikata be- Evangeline Javier
and held various positions in bank-
came the World joined the World
ing and finance.
Bank’s country di- Bank as a Young
rector for the Professional in 1980.
elizabeth Adu, director,
Caribbean in November 2007. She She has held various positions in
operations services
joined the World Bank in August the Bank since then, working in
1991 as a Young Professional. Since country offices in Bolivia in the late Elizabeth Adu is
then she has held various positions, 1980s and in Peru in the early Director of the
the most recent being sector man- 2000s. She also led teams working Operations Services
ager for the Poverty Reduction and on human development issues and Department in the
Economic Management Unit in projects in a number of countries Latin America and Caribbean
the Africa Region. Her prior re- in Africa in the mid-1990s. In July Region of the World Bank. This
gional experience includes South 2002, she became the health sector department is responsible for
and East Asia, and Europe and manager in the Latin America and financial management, procure-
Central Asia. She also held posi- Caribbean Region, the position she ment, quality enhancement and
tions in the World Bank’s Interna- held until she was appointed direc- overall development effectiveness
tional Trade Department and Inde- tor of the Human Development of Bank operations in the region.
pendent Evaluation Group. Department in February 2005. Ms. Adu holds a LL.B. from the
Between 1998 and 2001, while on An economist by training, Ms. University of Ghana and an LL.M.
leave from the World Bank, she Javier has extensive international in International Law from Temple
served as a senior research fellow experience in policy dialogue and University. Previously, Ms. Adu was
at the Economic and Social Re- program development, especially senior advisor to one of the Bank’s
search Foundation in Dar-es- in the field of human develop- three managing directors, with re-
Salaam, Tanzania, and as a consult- ment. For the Philippines govern- sponsibility for the reforms to the
ant to the Organisation for ment, she led work on Philippine World Bank’s internal conflict reso-
Economic Co-operation and De- economic planning and research. lution system. From February 2004
velopment in Paris and to the to July 2007, she was deputy gen-
United Nations University’s World Makhtar Diop, country director, eral counsel, Operations, in the
Institute for Development Eco- Brazil Legal Department of the World
nomics Research (wider) in Bank. Prior to that, she was chief
Makhtar Diop has
Helsinki. Before joining the World counsel for Africa Practice Group
been in his current
Bank, Ms. Tsikata taught monetary for three years.
position since Janu-
theory and macroeconomic policy ary 2009. Previously, In addition to working on various
at New York University, where she he was director for strategy and op- complex operations, Ms. Adu has
earned her graduate degree. erations in the Latin American re- managed legal and judicial reform
gion, sector director for finance, projects in Tanzania, Kenya and
private sector, and infrastructure in the Gambia.
the same region, and country direc-
tor for Kenya, Eritrea, and Somalia.
Before joining the World Bank, Mr.
Reference Guide pedro Alba, country director, Bank’s financial products and serv-
Argentina, Chile, Paraguay, and ices to clients and staff in 23 coun-
uruguay tries. Before that she was senior
advisor to the executive director
Before becoming
representing Italy, Portugal, Alba-
country director for
nia, Greece, Malta, and San
the Southern Cone
Marino in the Board of the World
countries in July
Bank Group. Earlier in her career
2007, Pedro Alba directed the
she worked as country econo-
World Bank’s program for Burundi,
mist for El Salvador and as senior
Republic of Congo, the Demo-
financial economist in the Latin
cratic Republic of Congo, and
America and the Caribbean region.
Rwanda. In two decades with the
World Bank, he has worked in eco- Ms. Grandolini has a Ph.D. in in-
nomic growth and poverty reduc- ternational economics and a mas-
tion, macroeconomics and interna- ter in law and diplomacy from the
tional trade, employment, and Fletcher School of Law and Diplo-
public sector reform. His regional macy at Tufts University. She also
experience includes the Middle holds a masters degree in foreign
East, Eastern Europe, and Asia. service from the Edmund A. Walsh
School of Foreign Service at
Mr. Alba is the author of several
Georgetown University.
World Bank studies and of schol-
arly articles on the 1997 Asian cri-
sergio Jellinek, manager, external
sis, the liberalization of capital ac-
affairs
counts, budget policies, and
financial sector development. After Sergio Jellinek over-
earning his doctorate in applied sees communica-
economics from Cornell Univer- tions for LCR. He is
sity, he taught economic policy at a founder of the
the Universidad Politécnica de COM+ Alliance, a partnership of in-
Madrid. ternational organizations and com-
munications professionals. The
gloria grandolini, country director, members of COM+ are committed
Colombia and Mexico to using communications to ad-
vance sustainable development on
Since joining the
three fronts—economic, social,
World Bank in 1990
and environmental. He has exten-
as a Young Profes-
sive experience in developing coun-
sional she has held
tries, both as a working journalist
various positions, most recently
and as an adviser to international
as director of the Banking and
organizations.
Debt Management Department in
the World Bank Treasury where
she oversaw the delivery of the
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