OREANDA-NEWS. On June 24, 2009 The World Bank approved an US8 million equivalent IDA Credit to the Republic of Azerbaijan for the Public Investment Capacity Building Project. The project’s key objective is to improve the quality and efficiency of preparation and implementation of investment projects in key priority sectors, especially infrastructure, reported the press-centre of World Bank
 
The Government of Azerbaijan is implementing an ambitious public investment program aimed at rehabilitating and improving all major public infrastructure. However, it is also concerned about the quality of human resources in government ministries, agencies and state-owned enterprises that are implementing critical public investment projects which often lack modern project management and technical skills.
 
“This Project will develop key skills and domestic capacity for implementing the public investment program,” said Mr. Asad Alam, World Bank Regional Director for South Caucasus. “This will help strengthen the efficiency of public investment spending.”
 
“The Project is designed to provide training in both modern project management techniques, and specialized technical skills in selected sectors,” said Ms. Elizabeth Wang, Task Team Leader for the Project. “Special attention will be paid to measuring the impact of the project activities.”
 
The project has four components which will provide Government ministries and agencies with training on general project management, technical knowledge and skills in selected sectors, make training more effective and cover project implementation costs.
 
Azerbaijan joined the World Bank in 1992. Since then, commitments to the country total approximately US2.6 billion for 44 operations.