Message from the Country Director Dear Friends, In the aftermath of devastating cyclone Sidr, the World Bank has offered up to US$250 million to help millions of Bangladeshis recover and to strengthen the country’s disaster mitigation systems. Bank assistance could be used to support short-term needs like food imports, the rapid procurement of medical supplies, and help to get people back on their feet and recovering their sources of income and livelihood. Bank support could also help Bangladesh manage macroeconomic shocks over this period of challenge.  In the longer term, Bank support would be available for infrastructure rehabilitation, especially damage to embankments and other flood mitigation and shelter infrastructure. In this issue, you will read about World Bank Group President Robert B. Zoellick’s impression about Bangladesh when he visited here earlier this month. You will also read how the Bank is helping to improve the financial system of the Bangladesh’s banking sector. The importance for the home country to ensure social protection of its migrants is also featured in this issue. As always, you can mail us with your views and feedback at wbdhakanews@worldbank.org. We look forward to hearing from you.  Best wishes,  Xian Zhu Country Director Highlights: Bangladesh Cyclone Recovery and Mitigation World Bank President supports Bangladesh’s future challenges Improving financial system in the banking sector Enhancing social protection for Bangladeshi Migrants  1. World Bank to provide assistance to SIDR survivors  On 20th November, the World Bank offered up to US$250 million in the aftermath of Cyclone Sidr to help millions of Bangladeshis recover and to strengthen the country’s disaster mitigation systems. The assistance could be used to support short-term needs like food imports, the rapid procurement of medical supplies, and help to get people back on their feet and recovering their sources of income and livelihood. Bank support could also help Bangladesh manage macroeconomic shocks over this period of challenge  Read more about the Bangladesh Cyclone, and listen to interview with World Bank South Asia expert.  2. World Bank President supports Bangladesh’s future challenges During his short visit to Bangladesh from 3-4 November, Robert B. Zoellick said the World Bank is preparing to assist Bangladesh address the looming challenge of adapting to climate change and to help the country’s citizens, especially the poorest, develop the skills they need to engage more competitively in the global marketplace. Bangladesh is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change on the one hand and is challenged to develop a competitive workforce on the other, he said. To read press release, please visit: To read more on Zoellick’s South Asia visit, please visit; 3. Improving financial system in the banking sector A government initiative for a strong and effective regulatory and supervisory system for Bangladesh's banking sector has recently picked up its implementation pace. Central Bank Strengthening Project of the Government and supported by the World Bank, is aimed at overall strengthening of the banking sector that includes complete automation of Bangladesh Bank for achieving a sound and efficient financial system. To read information note, please visit: 4.Enhancing social protection for Bangladeshi Migrants  Migration for work is a vital option for many Bangladeshis to overcome poverty and develop a sustainable livelihood for themselves and their families. Yet, migration is an endeavor that is full of perils and uncertainties. Apparently, the main responsibility for safe migration lies with the host country of migrant workers. Yet, home countries also have a responsibility to provide for the protection of their citizens while overseas  To read Country Director’s speech, please visit:  More from the World Bank:  5. World Bank Country Assistance Strategy 6. World Bank Supported Projects 7. Reports and Analyses from the World Bank 8. Global World Bank Reading  More from the World Bank 5. World Bank Bangladesh Country Assistance Strategy The World Bank’s Country Assistance Strategy (CAS) will guide our operations in Bangladesh during the period 2006-2009. It is strongly focused on governance and is aligned with Bangladesh’s Poverty Reduction Strategy (PRS). The CAS has two pillars, improving the investment climate and empowering the poor, reflect the focus of the World Bank’s programs across sectors. These programs will address sector governance issues in both pillars, as well as ‘core’ governance, such as public procurement, public financial management, and judiciary reform. This mainstreaming of governance implies that all Bank Group interventions will be as much about improving governance as they will be about improving sector performance.  Summary of the CAS English | Bangla          Download the full CAS ================================================================  6. World Bank supported Projects and Programs in Bangladesh The World Bank supports 27 ongoing government projects in Bangladesh and is active in a wide range of sectors including health, education, transport, water and sanitation, agriculture, local government and financial sector reform, as well as public procurement and financial management reform. Brief description of active projects | Detailed descriptions of active projects  ================================================================ 7. Reports and Analyses from the World Bank The aim of the Bangladesh Development Series (BDS) is to share the World Bank's country analytical work on Bangladesh. BDS is a valuable source of information for strengthening policy dialogue and developing and implementing country strategies. Please click on the following titles to download these Bangladesh Development Series reports: Bangladesh: Strategy for Sustained Growth Dhaka: Improving Living Conditions for the Urban Poor Strengthening Management and Governance in the Health, Nutrition and Population Sector of Bangladesh Bangladesh Country Environmental Analysis To the MDGs and Beyond: Accountability and Institutional Innovation in Bangladesh; Summary - English | Bangla India-Bangladesh Bilateral Trade and Potential Free Trade Agreement; Summary - English | Bangla
Economics and Governance of NGOs in Bangladesh; Summary - English | Bangla  Bangladesh Country Assistance Strategy 2006-2009; Summary - English | Bangla  Social Safety Nets in Bangladesh: An Assessment  Bangladesh Integrated Nutrition Project, Effectiveness and Lessons Learned  Revitalizing the Agricultural Technology System in Bangladesh; Summary - English | Bangla  Targeting Resources for the Poor in Bangladesh; Summary - English | Bangla
Comparative Advantages of Health Care Provision; Summary - English | Bangla  Bangladesh Water Country Assistance Strategy; Summary - English | Bangla  End of MFA Quotas: Key Issues and Strategic Options for Bangladesh Ready Made Garment Industry; Summary - English  Bangladesh PRSP Forum Economic Update - Recent Developments and Future Perspectives  Forthcoming Publications  The Bangladesh Vocational Education and Training System: An Assessment  ================================================================ 8. Global reading from the World Bank  The World Bank is also a "Knowledge Bank", each year producing a steady flow of publications and research. Over 15,000 documents and publications are available free of cost on our website.  Search and download global World Bank publications  Recent highlights  World Development Report 2008 World Development Indicator 2007  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- To suggest further names to receive this newsletter, please send an e-mail to: World Bank Dhaka News with the subject line: New subscribe  To unsubscribe, please send an e-mail to: World Bank Dhaka News with the subject line: Unsubscribe.  | 
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