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THE WORLD BANK IN SOUTH ASIA - SEPTEMBER 2005
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http://www.worldbank.org/sar
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Bank President Paul Wolfowitz Visits South Asia - photos, stories and more.

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Pakistan Development Markeptlace 2006 Begins

http://www.worldbank.org.pk/taraqeebazar
Since 1998, the World Bank's global Development Marketplace program has awarded US$40 million to more than 1,000 groundbreaking projects in over 70 countries.  Country–level Development Marketplaces (CDMs) are "mini marketplaces" for innovative ideas that address local development challenges.  Like the global competition, they consist of a competitive, juried process that awards small grants to social innovators, and a knowledge forum to share ideas and provide networking opportunities. 

Objectives of the Pakistan Development Marketplace

• Identify & support innovative approaches which could improve the lives of the disabled;
• Heighten public visibility of issues relevant to persons with disabilities and the National Policy for Persons with Disabilities;
• Create new networks for knowledge sharing;
• Build a consortium of grantees, grant-makers, in-kind contributors and champions to further the disability agenda in Pakistan.

learn more at http://www.worldbank.org.pk/taraqeebazar

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NEW AND NOTEWORTHY

The Waters of Bangladesh: Meeting Competing Needs
Bangladesh's water resources are precious -- and precarious. Water has competing uses: it is needed for agriculture and industry, and is essential for health and life. Water also has an important poverty dimension. A comprehensive Water Resources Assistance Strategy for Bangladesh, drawing on an extensive consultation process with government, experts and civil society, has recently been prepared by the World Bank and is being discussed with government.

Bangladesh: Seminar on Foreign Direct Investment and Productivity in the Garment Industry
A seminar was organized by the World Bank to understand the importance of FDI and productivity in the garment sector of Bangladesh. . Garments is one of the major sources of export revenue for the country and provides employment for thousands.

Pakistan: Second Improvement to Financial Reporting and Auditing Project (Loan & Credit)

Pakistan: World Bank Supports Improvements To Public Financial Management (Press Release)