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                 REPUBLIC OF HAITI: INTERIM STRATEGY NOTE FOR CY2012

                                                     CHAIR’S SUMMING UP

                                               Meeting of the Executive Directors

                                                               December 1, 2011



      The Executive Directors discussed the joint IDA/IFC Interim Strategy Note (ISN) for the
Republic of Haiti for CY2012 (IDA/R2011-0302[IFC/R2011-0300]).
        Directors commended the Haitian authorities for the stability of the macro-economy, in
spite of the numerous challenges the country still faces. They recognized the efforts being made
to strengthen institutions for a sustained recovery following the January 2010 earthquake but
noted that despite the achievement of some of the development targets, the situation is still very
fragile. Directors highlighted the associated risks but noted the mitigation measures. They
encouraged the authorities to draw upon their partnership with the international community in
order to pursue reforms, implement sound reconstruction policies, and accelerate governance
improvements.
        Directors expressed broad support for the ISN and underlined the importance of the
effective use of the resources provided by the IDA16 Crisis Response Window. In particular,
they stressed the need for continued selectivity in implementing IDA resources. Directors noted
the ISN’s alignment with Haiti’s post-earthquake National Recovery and Development Action
Plan of 2010 and the country’s 2011 Poverty Reduction and Strategy Paper Progress Report.
They also noted the emphasis on catalytic activities in key sectors for reconstruction such as
fostering private sector development, supporting “building back better”, reducing vulnerability to
shocks, and improving both human and institutional capacity. The importance of mainstreaming
gender was also noted. Directors highlighted the need to combine long-term institutional efforts
with quick results as proposed in the ISN and recommended by the 2011 World Development
Report.
       With respect to the private sector, Directors stressed the importance of improving the
business climate. To this end, they welcomed the significant role envisaged for IFC, including
advisory and investment programs.
       Directors urged the Bank Group to continue improving coordination and work closely
with other development partners, including the IMF. Directors encouraged the Bank to support
the government in communicating the results and impacts of reconstruction.
       Finally, Directors looked forward to the discussion of the next strategy document aimed
at programming the remaining IDA 16 resources and an update on the implementation of this
ISN. 

                                                            
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  This summary is not an approved record.