1. World Bank and ICT in Accession Countries
GICT Policy Unit
Yann Burtin
Knowledge Economy Forum
Paris, February 21, 2002

2. New WBG ICT Sector Strategy
The Sector strategic Directions:
Contribute to national ICT strategies
Support policy reform
Strengthen regulatory institutional capacity
Leverage private investment to extend access to ICT services
Promote the use of ICT in the provision of public services

3. Major reforms to be achieved to meet key e-Europe + objectives in Accession Countries
Adoption of the Acquis Communautaire
Transposition of directives
Full liberalization of the telecommunications sector
Establishment of new policies, regulations, and actions plans for the KE

4. Selected WB Projects in Accession Countries
Romania - $30m Technical Assistance project to assist GoR in regulatory reform and capacity building
Bulgaria - $ m Structural Adjustment under preparation. Disbursements linked to regulatory reforms and market competition
Bulgaria – IFC pre-privatization Loan to BTC under preparation (seeking interest)
Latvia – Structural Adjustment - establishment of the legal and regulatory framework

5. Contacts GICT Policy Unit (WB) GICT Investment Unit (IFC)
Gareth Locksley, Regional Coordinator
Pierre Guislain, Manager
Yann Burtin, Operations Officer
GICT Investment Unit (IFC)
Stephanie Von Friedeburg, Manager
GICT infoDev Unit (WB)
Bruno lanvin, Manager

6. List of Project description
Algeria – Telecom and Postal Sector Reform
Algeria – ICT Development Support
Nepal – Rural and ICT Access
Ukraine – E-Development