79269
                            Democratic Republic of Congo: Western Growth Poles Project
                                                         and
                             Additional Financing to the Multi-Modal Transport Project

                                                     SUMMARY OF DISCUSSION

                                                   Meeting of the Executive Directors

                                                               June 11, 2013



        Executive Directors considered the President’s Memoranda and Recommendations and
approved the Grants to the Democratic Republic of Congo for (i) a Western Growth Poles project in
the amount of SDR 72.9 million (USD 110 million equivalent) (IDA/R2013-0138) and (ii) an
Additional Financing to the Multi-Modal Transport Project in the amount of SDR 119.30 million
(USD 180 million equivalent) (IDA/R2013-0137) under the payment terms and conditions set out
therein.

        Directors agreed that the two projects are key pieces to implement the strategic objective of
boosting competiveness and accelerating private-sector growth and job creation as defined in the
recently endorsed World Bank Group’s Country Assistance Strategy for FY2013-2016. In this regard,
they highlighted the need for the authorities to strengthen the governance framework and maintain an
environment supportive of private sector-led growth. Directors also encouraged the Bank, IFC and
MIGA to collaborate more effectively in supporting private sector participation in the economy.  

        Directors took note of the risk analysis and mitigating measures put in place for these complex
projects, as well as the intentions to mainstream implementation within permanent government
structures for the Growth Poles Project. In this respect, they emphasized the importance of the Bank’s
close monitoring of implementation. In particular, they highlighted the importance of strong
governance and sound coordination between different Ministries and agencies for the success of the
Growth Poles Project. Moreover, they stressed the importance of compliance with the Bank’s
environmental and social safeguard policies throughout the project’s life.

        With respect to the Additional Financing to the Multi-Modal Transport Project, Executive
Directors welcomed the project design that links infrastructure development to strengthened
governance in the transport sector, including restructuring of the National Railway. They stressed the
need to vigorously pursue the sector governance agenda, as well as reforms in other State-owned
enterprises besides the National Railway. Finally, they encouraged a candid and broad dialogue
between the DRC and the Bank on critical cross-cutting reforms and looked forward to ongoing
updates to the Board.



                                                            
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  This summary is not an approved record.