PRIVATIZATION

closed

The central objective of this project is to provide implementation assistance on a substantial scale to the Russian privatization program during its initial and most critical phase. The loan provides: (a) technical assistance for policy formulation and design in key areas complementary to privatization focusing on pro-competition policies, corporate governance and portfolio management, inter-enterprise arrears and environmental issues associated with privatization; (b) technical assistance and equipment to help implement the Russian privatization program at the national, regional and municipal levels including support for: (i) institutional development of the newly-created Privatization Center; (ii) mass privatization; (iii) a public information campaign to explain privatization programs; (iv) implementation of large, medium and small enterprise transactions; (v) strengthening of implementation capacity through provision of commumications and office equipment; and (vi) training of key personnel. It also provides: (c) technical assistance to help the Government; (i) develop policies and programs that facilitate private sector development (PSD), and (ii) support six pilot projects that will deliver business advisory and infrastructure services to small business and new enterprises (SBNE); and (d) Project Preparation Facility (PPF) refinancing.