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The World Bank makes public its interim strategy for Tunisia after the government agrees to early disclosure.
On June 27, 2012 the World Bank made public its interim strategy for Tunisia for the years 2013-2014 which outlines its engagement in the country during this transitional period. The Bank’s Board of Executive Directors is set to decide on the strategy on July 3, 2012. The Tunisian government has agreed to early disclosure of the strategy document which allows the Bank to make it publicly available after it is submitted to the Board. This usually takes place two to three weeks before the scheduled approval date.
This is an important step by the government and the Bank and shows a commitment on their parts for more transparency and accountability. Most importantly, it is an opportunity for Tunisian civil society to take part in the decision making process in their country and send their comments- if any- to their representative on the Board to be considered during the discussion of the strategy at the July 3rd Board meeting.
In line with the Bank’s procedures, the document was submitted to the Board two weeks ago. Moreover, according to the Bank’s Access to Information Policy, if the government has agreed to early disclosure, the document would be made publicly available immediately (within 48 hours) after that. Indeed, the Bank received the Tunisian government’s written approval of early disclosure on June 27 and posted the document the same day. With the document just disclosed and the Board date scheduled for next week, we wonder if it is enough time for Tunisians to take advantage of this opportunity.