Country Assistance Strategy

What is a Country Assistance Strategy ?

Every three years, the World Bank Group develops a "framework" document, "The Country Assistance Strategy/CAS" as the basis for cooperation with a client country. The CAS (a) provides a detailed description of the World Bank Group strategy for a specific time period; and (b) indicates the levels and areas for loan provision, AAA work, and Bank's technical assistance based on such strategy and the country's portfolio performance. The CAS is discussed with the government and external bodies prior to its submission for Board consideration.

At the end of July 1998, the World Bank Board of Executive Directors approved a new policy allowing for public disclosure of the CAS, upon consultation with the concerned government.

Basic Goals and Objectives of the CAS

The CAS determines priority objectives for economic development of the country and its economic performance indicators. The CAS describes those areas where the Bank is best positioned to provide assistance to a client country.

The CAS includes such "sections" as socioeconomic development indicators and key objectives for economic development of the country; a brief description of the reform program adopted by the government, and a set of measures for cooperation with the country, as proposed by the World Bank Group. The CAS discussion process inside of the World Bank Group goes through several stages: (a) discussion by the Operations Committee of the Bank; (b) discussion by the top management of the Bank, and (c) review and discussion by the Board that represents opinions and interests of over 180 member countries of the Bank and has the right to make a final decision.

CAS Status for Uzbekistan

The last World Bank's Country Assistance Strategy for Uzbekistan for 2002-2004 has been completed and Implementation Completion Report has been prepared.

On July 27, 2006 the Board of Executive Directors discussed an Interim Strategy Note (ISN) for Uzbekistan and expressed broad support for the World Bank’s continued engagement in the country. The new strategy, which covers a 12 to 15 month period, combines technical assistance and analytical and advisory services with lending focused on global public goods and basic social services.  More.