The Egyptian government is facing criticism from MPs over plans to sell off the country's publicly owned banks, as part of an $8.7 billion financial sector reform programme that has the backing of the World Bank, the IMF, the AfDB and USAID.
Middle East & North Africa
Environment
Background
Iraq: staffer shot, oil deal continues
In February Iraq's cabinet approved the IMF supported draft oil law
Environment
News
Mortgaging Iraq’s oil wealth
As a "key ingredient" of IMF lending and debt relief, Iraq's government has just presented a new draft petroleum law to its cabinet that could permit up to two-thirds of Iraq's known reserves to be exploited by multinational oil companies under contracts lasting for 20 years.
Rights
News
Bank and Fund in-roads into Iraq
The Bank approves the first development loan to Iraq at the same time as the IMF signs a stand-by agreement, leading to a dramatic increase in fuel prices.
IFI governance
News
IEO on IMF in Jordan: “moderately successful”
The Independent Evaluation Office has said that the IMF's role in Jordan in the period 1989 - 2004 was "moderately successful".
Rights
Commentary
The Bank and Fund: do civil society groups in the Arab region realise what’s going on?
Comment by the Arab NGO Network for Development on the need for civil society in the region to take a more active role in monitoring the work of the IFIs.
Rights
Background
Reform agenda in the post-war reconstruction of Iraq
Highlights of seminar: the reform agenda in the post-war reconstruction of Iraq
Rights
Commentary
The World Bank, the apartheid wall and the ghettoisation of Palestine
Comment by Jamal Juma, campaign coordinator of the Palestinian anti-apartheid wall campaign: StoptheWall.
Rights
News
Bank and Fund figure out Iraq lending
Recent weeks have further clarified how the World Bank and the IMF are planning to…
IFI governance
News
Bank/Fund annual meetings 2003 round-up
Short assessment of key issues and decisions at Dubai annual meeting.
IFI governance
News
WB/IMF Annual Meetings 2003
Likely agenda items for the WB/IMF Annual Meetings 2003
Rights
News
Bank and IMF role in Iraq taking shape
The World Bank is to play a role in drawing up the national budget for Iraq and possibly in managing a reconstruction trust fund.
