| Transitional Support Strategy (TSS) Transition Support Strategies define the World Bank's activities in post conflict countries. As such, the World Bank’s program in Serbia and Montenegro is guided by the principles articulated in its Transition Support Strategy (TSS) for the country that was adopted in June, 2001 and updated in July 2002 and again in February 2004. The TSS has been formulated in consultation with the Government of Serbia and Montenegro, and is based on the lessons of experience from transition countries in Europe and Central Asia as well as from other post-conflict countries and territories. The Bank has different and separate support programs in Serbia, the bigger of the two constitutive republics, and in Montenegro. As Serbia and Montenegro is now emerging from the post conflict phase, the World Bank will prepare its first Country Assistance Strategy for the country in 2004. The CAS Process
What is a CAS?
Every two to three years, the World Bank designs a work plan to guide its operations in a client country. This work plan is detailed in a document called “Country Assistance Strategy” or CAS. In its final form, the CAS document describes all of the Bank’s planned operations in the country—lending, analytical work, and technical assistance—for the time period covered by the CAS – usually three years.
The Goal of the CAS
The main goal of the CAS is to develop a strategy that will guide the Bank’s efforts in assisting a country reach the goals of poverty reduction and economic well-being that it has set for itself. In doing so, the CAS takes into account the country’s development priorities and its economic performance. It also reflects the Bank’s mandate as an international development institution and what it is most capable of contributing relative to other development agents and sources of financing.
The CAS is designed with the government, and in consultation with a wide range of representatives from civil society, including NGOs, community groups, trade unions, media, professional associations, religious groups, and so on.
The format of the CAS document is set according to the Bank’s internal guidelines. It includes “sections” on such issues as the country’s economic and social performance, its main development challenges, a summary of the government's development strategy, and the Bank’s proposed package of assistance.
Before a CAS can be implemented, it needs to be discussed and approved by the Bank’s Board. This is because the World Bank is owned by 184 member countries whose views and interests are represented by a Board of Directors, and the member countries carry ultimate decision-making power in the World Bank.
The World Bank can only disclose a final CAS document to the public if the government agrees to do so. Whether or not the CAS document is released to the public, the Bank prepares a CAS Public Information Notice which summarizes the main issues it contains.
World Bank Priorities The main priorities of the World Bank in Serbia and Montenegro are: To restore and maintain macroeconomic stability – Concessional World Bank assistance has been essential in bringing the economy of Serbia and Montenegro back from the brink. It is now directing the country onto a path of stability, sustainable growth and re-integration with the international economy. To encourage economic growth and create jobs – The World Bank seeks to improve the environment for the growth of the private sector that is vital to create more jobs. It also supports the country’s banking sector to make credit more easily available to businesses and make savings safer for citizens. Special projects aims to improve trade with neighboring countries. To promote social protection of the poor and vulnerable, better education and health care –The World Bank is supporting changes in the country’s social protection policy to provide assistance to those who are most in need. It is also supporting the Governments’ efforts to develop a strategy to reduce the number of the poor in the country. It is bringing better education to the people by refurbishing schools and introducing innovative teaching methods. As many in Serbia and Montenegro lack access to good health services, the World Bank is helping the development of a system whereby all citizens can obtain speedy medical assistance. Download: |
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