2015年-世界发展银行全球_Country_Partnership_Framework_for_the_Republic_of_Costa_Rica_for_the_Period_FY16-FY20_74页_1mb

Summary of the World Bank Group Country Partnership Framework for Costa Rica (FY16-FY20)

I. Introduction

The World Bank Group (WBG) Country Partnership Framework (CPF) for Costa Rica is designed to support the country's development objectives, focusing on two main pillars: reducing constraints to productive inclusion and bolstering fiscal, social, and environmental sustainability. These priorities align with the Government's 2015–2018 National Development Plan (NDP) and the Systematic Country Diagnostic (SCD).

Costa Rica is recognized as one of the most politically stable, progressive, and prosperous countries in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). It has a long history of democratic governance and has implemented key social policies since the mid-20th century, including the establishment of a universal health care system, public education, and social security programs. These policies have contributed to strong human development indicators and low poverty rates, although recent trends show stagnation in poverty reduction and rising inequality.

Despite its achievements, Costa Rica is facing structural challenges that could threaten its development model. These include a deteriorating fiscal situation, rising public debt, and increasing inequality. The WBG aims to assist the country in addressing these challenges through targeted interventions and support for sustainable growth and social inclusion.

II. Country Context and Development Agenda

Political and Social Context

• Costa Rica has been a stable democracy since 1949, with peaceful and transparent elections.
• The country has a strong constitutional system with checks and balances.
• The 2014 election marked the first time since 1949 that neither the Partido Liberación Nacional nor the Partido de Unidad Socialcristiana held the presidency.
• Social rights are enshrined in the Constitution, including health, education, and social protection.
• The Social Security Administration (CCSS) provides universal coverage, including non-contributory pensions for the poor.

Growth, Poverty and Shared Prosperity

• Costa Rica has experienced sustained growth, with GDP per capita tripling since 1960.
• The country has achieved low poverty rates (12% of the population) and strong human development indicators, ranking 7th in LAC and 68th globally in 2014.
• Poverty reduction slowed after 2010, and inequality has risen, with the Gini coefficient increasing from 0.51 in 2010 to 0.52 in 2014.
• The Central region has the highest concentration of the poor, while indigenous communities face higher levels of inequality and lower access to basic services.

Recent Economic Developments

• Macroeconomic policies from the 1980s contributed to growth until the 2009 crisis.
• The 2009 crisis led to an unsustainable fiscal path, with growing deficits and public debt.
• From 2008 to 2014, the Central Government's overall fiscal deficit increased from 5.4% to 5.7% of GDP.
• Public debt rose from 24.8% to 39.0% of GDP, with most being domestic.
• The country's fiscal situation is deteriorating, and without reform, the deficit could reach 6.2% in 2016 and public debt could hit 63% of GDP by 2019.

III. World Bank Group Partnership Framework

Key Objectives

Pillar 1: Reducing Constraints to Productive Inclusion

• Objective 1: Enhance higher education to improve skills.
• Objective 2: Increase access to finance to generate productive opportunities.
• Objective 3: Promote sustainable investments in energy and transport to support competitiveness.

Pillar 2: Bolstering Fiscal, Social and Environmental Sustainability

• Objective 4: Strengthen fiscal management capacity to enhance efficiency.
• Objective 5: Improve efficiency and quality of the health insurance system to improve results.
• Objective 6: Expand capacity to promote climate-smart and environmentally sustainable development.

Implementing the CPF

• The CPF will focus on improving public services, enhancing fiscal sustainability, and supporting inclusive growth.
• It will build on the SCD and align with the NDP to ensure coherent development interventions.

IV. Managing Risks to the CPF Program

• The CPF is subject to risks such as fiscal unsustainability, inequality, and the impact of global economic conditions.
• The WBG will implement selectivity filters to ensure that its interventions are aligned with the country's development goals.
• The CPF includes a filtering process to define objectives and ensure that projects contribute to the country's strategic priorities.

V. Key Challenges and Opportunities

• Fiscal Sustainability: The country's high public debt and growing deficits threaten long-term development.
• Inequality: Despite growth, inequality has risen, particularly among the poor and indigenous communities.
• Productive Inclusion: There is a need to improve access to finance and enhance education and skills.
• Environmental Sustainability: Costa Rica is a global leader in environmental policies, but maintaining this requires continued investment and innovation.

VI. Conclusion

The CPF for Costa Rica aims to address the country's pressing development challenges while leveraging its strengths in political stability, social inclusion, and environmental leadership. The WBG is committed to supporting the Government's efforts to improve fiscal sustainability, reduce inequality, and promote productive inclusion through targeted interventions and technical assistance. The success of the CPF will depend on the implementation of critical reforms and the alignment of WBG activities with national development priorities.