Godfrey Gaoseb - Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Papers by Godfrey Gaoseb
We welcome the opportunity to discuss this Country Assistance Strategy for Trinidad and Tobago an... more We welcome the opportunity to discuss this Country Assistance Strategy for Trinidad and Tobago and endorse the proposed lending and non-lending program for the country. We commend staff for the participatory approach followed in the CAS preparation, which involved a wide range of stakeholders, including the Government, development partners as well as the non-governmental organizations. Since the last CAS, Trinidad and Tobago has achieved remarkable progress in its macroeconomics stabilization, financial system reforms and broadening its economic base. The economic development is market-driven and there is clear evidence that the private sector is increasingly becoming the engine of growth. Many of the country's economic indicators are encouraging, with growth of over 3 percent per year, low inflation, budget surplus and balance in external accounts. Notwithstanding the commendable economic performance, more still remains to be done to deepen reform program.
IThis document has a restrlcted distribution and may be used b~ recipi~nts only i.n the 1\1 perfo... more IThis document has a restrlcted distribution and may be used b~ recipi~nts only i.n the 1\1 performance of their official duties. Its contents may not otherwIse be disclosed WIthout I World Bank authorization.
Colombia's implementation of its economic program since the last CAS in 1993 has had mixed result... more Colombia's implementation of its economic program since the last CAS in 1993 has had mixed results, partly because of circumstances which were beyond the country's control, including a weather related shortfall in coffee production. In spite of this weaker-than-expected performance, the authorities are determined to place the economy on a stronger growth path and, together with the country's development partners, are putting in place strategies and relevant mechanisms that will assist them in meeting their development objectives.
We welcome the opportunity to discuss this second CAS progress report for Cameroon and find it br... more We welcome the opportunity to discuss this second CAS progress report for Cameroon and find it broadly consistent with the prevailing situation in the country. The country has been confronted with some formidable challenges since the 1986-93 devastating depression that caused serious deterioration in many aspects of life as well as in the overall management of the national economy. In its1996 CAS, Cameroonian authorities attempted to arrest the deterioration in both the macroeconomic and social fronts, while in the 1998 CAS, progress report focussed on consolidating the policies pursued since 1996, addressing the slippages and speeding up implementation of the lagging reforms. However, much remains to be done, particularly in poverty-related areas, especially education, health, agriculture, rural development, governance, decentralization and gender issues. Other areas that need more attention also include HIV/AIDS, revenue generation, debt relief, public expenditure management and capacity building.
We welcome this new hybrid CAS designed to assist a non-performing country achieve its potential ... more We welcome this new hybrid CAS designed to assist a non-performing country achieve its potential to perform. This is a case where many formidable challenges have to be addressed and a number of basic fundamentals are to be forged. The level of political consensus on the reform agenda is evidently low while economic and social indicators are extremely poor and the poverty situation is alarming. This approach of not abandoning poor performers, but rather extending a hand to them, is a constructive one which we strongly support. We commend Ms. Ngozi-Iweala and her team for this innovative thinking and hope that the same approach will be replicated in other similar situations. The proposed CAS sets out a clear road map for putting the economy back on a sustainable development track. However, we would like to underscore the following:
We welcome the discussion of this Country Assistance Strategy for Honduras, prepared jointly by I... more We welcome the discussion of this Country Assistance Strategy for Honduras, prepared jointly by IDA and IFC in consultation with the Government and civil society representatives. We would like to commend staff for the candid analysis contained in this excellent document and also for being able to include issues that should address some of the devastation caused by Hurricane Mitch. We are particularly pleased to note the serious collaboration between the donor community, government and civil society in Honduras' post-hurricane reconstruction.
We would like to commend staff for this candid assessment of progress in implementing the 1998 jo... more We would like to commend staff for this candid assessment of progress in implementing the 1998 joint Bank/ IFC Country Assistance Strategy for FYR Macedonia. The update highlights achievements or lack of them thereof, during the CAS period. In our view, the government deserves to be congratulated for having successfully managed its macroeconomic framework during the Kosovo crisis, notwithstanding the inter-ethnic tensions, influx of refugees and the attendant problems. Both inflation and foreign exchange remained stable while the fiscal deficit and external debt/GDP ratio in 1999 were at manageable levels. The Government's commitment to reform is also clearly demonstrated by the adoption of pension, health and labor reforms supported by the SSAC, progress in the privatization exercise and the reform agenda agreed upon under the FESAL/C II. The Bank's quick response in providing assistance to the FYR Macedonian Government to mitigate the social and economic costs of the crisis is also commendable.
This document has a restricted distribution and may be used by recipients only in the perfonnance... more This document has a restricted distribution and may be used by recipients only in the perfonnance of their official duties. It should not be distributed without the consent of the Executive Director concerned.
Cambodia's history during the past twenty-five years is one of both human tragedy and hope. It is... more Cambodia's history during the past twenty-five years is one of both human tragedy and hope. It is tragic because the protracted national conflict resulted in, among other things, heavy losses of human resources, destruction of physical infrastructure, and degradation of the environment. It is also a history full of hope since the past five years have witnessed a resumption of economic activities, both in the urban and rural areas. It is therefore without hesitation that we support the cot.intry assistance strategy for Cambodia, which we believe adequately responds to the needs and priorities of a country emerging out of a situation of conflict. We also wish to take this opportunity to commend the Cambodian authorities for putting together, under extremely trying circumstances, an agenda that addresses the most pressing issues related to reconstruction, development and reform. Their efforts to work with both the international community as well as other groups within the country to ensure that the peace process continues uninterrupted also deserve commendation as these efforts will positively impact on their economic agenda.
We appreciate the work of the Bank staff in preparing this second Country Assistance Strategy Pro... more We appreciate the work of the Bank staff in preparing this second Country Assistance Strategy Progress Report for Ukraine. We are also grateful to the OED for its Country Assistance Review for Ukraine, which was discussed at the meeting of the CODE last week. These two documents present a comprehensive summary of the economic, social, and political developments in Ukraine in recent years, as well as the challenges facing Ukraine as the country pursues its reform agenda. As a result of the unfavorable economic situation and the prevailing political environment in the country, we are being presented with a second progress report instead of a full CAS. We support this approach, as we believe that it is imperative for the Bank to deepen its dialogue with the Ukrainian authorities in order to address both the immediate and longer-term economic challenges.
Ghana: Country Assistance Strategy We welcome discussion of the Country Assistance Strategy for G... more Ghana: Country Assistance Strategy We welcome discussion of the Country Assistance Strategy for Ghana as it follows discussion by CODE of OED's country assistance evaluation, and by the Committee of the Whole, via a very enlightening videoconference with the Ghanaian authorities on the country's own Development Strategy for Poverty Reduction. We would encourage Management to make such presentations whenever feasible since it allows for a balanced view of the issues involved, and enables Board Members to have a lively interaction with clients.
We welcome the opportunity to discuss this Country Assistance Strategy for Trinidad and Tobago an... more We welcome the opportunity to discuss this Country Assistance Strategy for Trinidad and Tobago and endorse the proposed lending and non-lending program for the country. We commend staff for the participatory approach followed in the CAS preparation, which involved a wide range of stakeholders, including the Government, development partners as well as the non-governmental organizations. Since the last CAS, Trinidad and Tobago has achieved remarkable progress in its macroeconomics stabilization, financial system reforms and broadening its economic base. The economic development is market-driven and there is clear evidence that the private sector is increasingly becoming the engine of growth. Many of the country's economic indicators are encouraging, with growth of over 3 percent per year, low inflation, budget surplus and balance in external accounts. Notwithstanding the commendable economic performance, more still remains to be done to deepen reform program.
IThis document has a restrlcted distribution and may be used b~ recipi~nts only i.n the 1\1 perfo... more IThis document has a restrlcted distribution and may be used b~ recipi~nts only i.n the 1\1 performance of their official duties. Its contents may not otherwIse be disclosed WIthout I World Bank authorization.
Colombia's implementation of its economic program since the last CAS in 1993 has had mixed result... more Colombia's implementation of its economic program since the last CAS in 1993 has had mixed results, partly because of circumstances which were beyond the country's control, including a weather related shortfall in coffee production. In spite of this weaker-than-expected performance, the authorities are determined to place the economy on a stronger growth path and, together with the country's development partners, are putting in place strategies and relevant mechanisms that will assist them in meeting their development objectives.
We welcome the opportunity to discuss this second CAS progress report for Cameroon and find it br... more We welcome the opportunity to discuss this second CAS progress report for Cameroon and find it broadly consistent with the prevailing situation in the country. The country has been confronted with some formidable challenges since the 1986-93 devastating depression that caused serious deterioration in many aspects of life as well as in the overall management of the national economy. In its1996 CAS, Cameroonian authorities attempted to arrest the deterioration in both the macroeconomic and social fronts, while in the 1998 CAS, progress report focussed on consolidating the policies pursued since 1996, addressing the slippages and speeding up implementation of the lagging reforms. However, much remains to be done, particularly in poverty-related areas, especially education, health, agriculture, rural development, governance, decentralization and gender issues. Other areas that need more attention also include HIV/AIDS, revenue generation, debt relief, public expenditure management and capacity building.
We welcome this new hybrid CAS designed to assist a non-performing country achieve its potential ... more We welcome this new hybrid CAS designed to assist a non-performing country achieve its potential to perform. This is a case where many formidable challenges have to be addressed and a number of basic fundamentals are to be forged. The level of political consensus on the reform agenda is evidently low while economic and social indicators are extremely poor and the poverty situation is alarming. This approach of not abandoning poor performers, but rather extending a hand to them, is a constructive one which we strongly support. We commend Ms. Ngozi-Iweala and her team for this innovative thinking and hope that the same approach will be replicated in other similar situations. The proposed CAS sets out a clear road map for putting the economy back on a sustainable development track. However, we would like to underscore the following:
We welcome the discussion of this Country Assistance Strategy for Honduras, prepared jointly by I... more We welcome the discussion of this Country Assistance Strategy for Honduras, prepared jointly by IDA and IFC in consultation with the Government and civil society representatives. We would like to commend staff for the candid analysis contained in this excellent document and also for being able to include issues that should address some of the devastation caused by Hurricane Mitch. We are particularly pleased to note the serious collaboration between the donor community, government and civil society in Honduras' post-hurricane reconstruction.
We would like to commend staff for this candid assessment of progress in implementing the 1998 jo... more We would like to commend staff for this candid assessment of progress in implementing the 1998 joint Bank/ IFC Country Assistance Strategy for FYR Macedonia. The update highlights achievements or lack of them thereof, during the CAS period. In our view, the government deserves to be congratulated for having successfully managed its macroeconomic framework during the Kosovo crisis, notwithstanding the inter-ethnic tensions, influx of refugees and the attendant problems. Both inflation and foreign exchange remained stable while the fiscal deficit and external debt/GDP ratio in 1999 were at manageable levels. The Government's commitment to reform is also clearly demonstrated by the adoption of pension, health and labor reforms supported by the SSAC, progress in the privatization exercise and the reform agenda agreed upon under the FESAL/C II. The Bank's quick response in providing assistance to the FYR Macedonian Government to mitigate the social and economic costs of the crisis is also commendable.
This document has a restricted distribution and may be used by recipients only in the perfonnance... more This document has a restricted distribution and may be used by recipients only in the perfonnance of their official duties. It should not be distributed without the consent of the Executive Director concerned.
Cambodia's history during the past twenty-five years is one of both human tragedy and hope. It is... more Cambodia's history during the past twenty-five years is one of both human tragedy and hope. It is tragic because the protracted national conflict resulted in, among other things, heavy losses of human resources, destruction of physical infrastructure, and degradation of the environment. It is also a history full of hope since the past five years have witnessed a resumption of economic activities, both in the urban and rural areas. It is therefore without hesitation that we support the cot.intry assistance strategy for Cambodia, which we believe adequately responds to the needs and priorities of a country emerging out of a situation of conflict. We also wish to take this opportunity to commend the Cambodian authorities for putting together, under extremely trying circumstances, an agenda that addresses the most pressing issues related to reconstruction, development and reform. Their efforts to work with both the international community as well as other groups within the country to ensure that the peace process continues uninterrupted also deserve commendation as these efforts will positively impact on their economic agenda.
We appreciate the work of the Bank staff in preparing this second Country Assistance Strategy Pro... more We appreciate the work of the Bank staff in preparing this second Country Assistance Strategy Progress Report for Ukraine. We are also grateful to the OED for its Country Assistance Review for Ukraine, which was discussed at the meeting of the CODE last week. These two documents present a comprehensive summary of the economic, social, and political developments in Ukraine in recent years, as well as the challenges facing Ukraine as the country pursues its reform agenda. As a result of the unfavorable economic situation and the prevailing political environment in the country, we are being presented with a second progress report instead of a full CAS. We support this approach, as we believe that it is imperative for the Bank to deepen its dialogue with the Ukrainian authorities in order to address both the immediate and longer-term economic challenges.
Ghana: Country Assistance Strategy We welcome discussion of the Country Assistance Strategy for G... more Ghana: Country Assistance Strategy We welcome discussion of the Country Assistance Strategy for Ghana as it follows discussion by CODE of OED's country assistance evaluation, and by the Committee of the Whole, via a very enlightening videoconference with the Ghanaian authorities on the country's own Development Strategy for Poverty Reduction. We would encourage Management to make such presentations whenever feasible since it allows for a balanced view of the issues involved, and enables Board Members to have a lively interaction with clients.