2011年-世界发展银行全球_The_Events_in_the_Arab_World_the_Recent_Global_Crisis_and_the_World_Bank_Group_4页_609kb

报告摘要

MENA Knowledge and Learning - Quick Notes Series

March 2011 – Number 37

Core Content Overview

This Quick Note outlines the World Bank Group's (WBG) response to the global economic crisis and its impact on the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, particularly in the context of the Arab Spring. It emphasizes the need for addressing food security, economic governance, and youth employment challenges.

Main Themes and Key Points

1. The Arab World's Political and Economic Context

The Arab Spring has brought significant political changes and challenges to the region.
Common themes include the demand for youth employment, social and economic inclusion, and good governance.
The World Bank acknowledges the tragic loss of life in Libya and calls for an end to violence, while recognizing the opportunities for economic transformation.

2. The World Bank Group's Response to the Global Crisis

The WBG has been actively involved in responding to the global financial, food, and fuel crises.
From July 2008 to FY2010, the WBG committed $152 billion in financial support, including $96 billion disbursed.
In FY2010, the WBG committed $44.2 billion in IBRD funds and $14.5 billion in IDA funds, a 3.5% increase from 2009.
The International Finance Corporation (IFC) invested $12.7 billion, a 21% increase, with $5 billion mobilized from other sources.
The Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) provided $1.5 billion in guarantees.

3. Focus on Food Security and Poverty Reduction

The Global Food Crisis Response Program (GFRP) was launched in May 2008 and has been instrumental in addressing food price volatility.
As of January 2011, $1.44 billion had been committed and $1.1 billion disbursed.
The program supports school feeding, cash for work, and nutritional supplements for vulnerable groups.
It also helps defray the costs of food imports for low-income countries.

4. Three Pillars for Food Security in MENA

Pillar 1: Strengthening Safety Nets
- Enhance targeting of existing support programs to better serve the poor.
- The Bank has supported safety net improvements in Yemen, Djibouti, and the West Bank/Gaza.
Pillar 2: Enhancing Domestic Food Supply
- Focus on agricultural productivity and efficiency in water and land use.
- Examples of supported projects: Farm Irrigation Modernization in Egypt and Rural Development Support in Djibouti.
Pillar 3: Reducing Market Volatility Exposure
- Improve supply chain efficiency and manage agricultural risks.
- The Bank is conducting diagnostic studies for wheat import supply chains in 10 Arab countries.
- Recommendations include investment in infrastructure such as strategic grain reserves, ports, and roads.

5. The Role of the Private Sector

Private sector investment is crucial for food production and distribution.
The Saudi private sector has shown active interest in investing in farms and storage facilities.
However, foreign investment in agriculture can raise local concerns, especially regarding land use and food export.
The World Bank supports responsible agro-investment through:
- Advising governments on policy frameworks to attract foreign investment.
- Advising the private sector on corporate governance standards.
- Facilitating investment via IFC loans and equity.
- Offering guarantees through MIGA to reduce political risk.

Key Statistics and Projections

Food price surges in 2010 increased regional expenditures by $19 per person.
MENA's reliance on food imports is high: 58% of cereals and 75% of sugar are imported.
Agriculture and Rural Development lending in MENA rose from $0 in FY2008 to $359 million in FY2011.
Globally, the WBG's lending in this sector increased from $3 billion/year (FY06-08) to $4.7 billion/year (FY09-10), with a goal of reaching $6–8 billion/year in the medium term.

Conclusion

The WBG is committed to supporting sustainable development in the MENA region.
A collaborative effort involving international agencies, governments, and the private sector is essential to address the challenges of growth, diversification, innovation, inclusion, and good governance.
The Bank remains ready to work with partners to ensure a prosperous future for the region.