This Inside the Institutions explores the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the World Bank Group’s private sector arm. It examines the function of the IFC as a development institution focused solely on private sector solutions to development and considers civil society critiques.
World Bank praises Myanmar for improvement in Doing Business ranking, ignoring the implications of proposed reforms on country’s complex conflict dynamics.
Civil society letter condemns World Bank statements as ‘weak’.
Notes of a meeting on Myanmar's transition to full country partnership at the World Bank/IMF annual meetings 2014
International Finance Corporation announced new ‘green equity’ policy to encourage financial intermediaries to divest from coal, while Bank pulled plug on mooted Kosovo coal project.
As inequality in Asia continues to deepen, civil society renews calls for IMF and World Bank to be held accountable for exacerbating inequality.
The IFC is set to expand operations in fragile and conflict-affected states such as Burma, despite indications that systemic problems identified in Honduras persist.
IFC investments in Burma hotels have been criticised for weak poverty reduction impact. IFC claims that investment in luxury hotels in India will provide “affordable hotels”.
Sponsor: WBG (Operations Policy and Country Services Department) Panelists: Edward Mountfield (Manager, OPCS), John L.…
The World Bank has announced big spending programmes in health, electricity and telecoms in Burma, however, critics point to its failure to protect human rights or consult properly with civil society.
IFC investments in luxury hotels and shopping malls highlight projects with weak development outcomes.
While India is pushing for the World Bank’s Global Infrastructure Facility, the US voted against IFC support for a Saudi Arabian corporation linked to coal power and an Inspection Panel case was registered for a Nepal power transmission project. Concerns were also raised on infrastructure projects in India, Nepal and Burma.
