Economic policy analysis and implementation

The project will provide long- and short-term TA to key GON policymaking institutions -- primarily the Ministry of Finance (MOF), but also the Ministry of Economy and Development (MOED), the Central Bank, and others -- and support seminars, workshops, and publications. The project will provide five long-term economic advisors -- two Ph.D. advisors and two expert assistants stationed at the MOF"s Economic Policy Unit, and a third Ph.D. advisor at the MOED. These advisors will provide advice in analyzing, designing, implementing, and monitoring policies in the following broad areas: (1) stabilization and liberalization policies; (2) structural adjustment; and (3) fostering sectoral growth and competitiveness. Specific policy areas in which the project will work include, at the minimum: monetary policy; labor markets; financial markets; fiscal policy; international competitiveness; trade policy; price control; deregulation; and exchange rate policy. In addition, the advisors will help the GON develop a policy implementation matrix that presents the sequencing and timing of actions needed to implement a policy reform. The Ph.D. advisors will lead project efforts in their respective areas, identifying needs for and the provision of short-term TA and overseeing the work of the economic assistants. Substantial short-term TA -- up to 2,340 person-days -- will be provided to: (1) analyze sharply focused policy problems; (2) engage in high-level consultations with the government, both one-on-one and at project-sponsored symposia; and (3) conduct workshops for ministry staff in economic policy analysis and design. TA efforts will result in the production of high-quality policy analyses, position papers, briefing papers, etc. which will constitute an important ingredient of policy dialogue activities. The project will also sponsor five symposia featuring the work of the long-term advisors and their counterparts, with world class economists in attendance as commentators and presenters; high-level government officials and private sector representatives are also expected to attend. Finally, travel abroad for seminars and for consultation with counterparts elsewhere will be financed.