World Bank support for small states in addressing economic vulnerability and enhancing resilience

Abstract

The World Bank takes seriously its supporting role in favour of small states. Since 1985, the International Development Association (IDA) has accorded special access to small island economies with per capita incomes above the normal IDA eligibility cut-off. This special treatment recognises a set of circumstances-including export concentration, limited domestic markets, limited skill base, isolation, and vulnerability to natural disasters and other shocks-faced by these states. Currently nine small island states qualify for this exception. Beyond this special access to resources for a number of small island economies, the World Bank stands ready to make available a wide variety of types of support to small states to help them build resilience. Examples of assistance include annual assessment of country policy and institutional performance, help with country-led donor coordination, trade related support, disaster management and mitigation, commodity risk analysis, HIV/AIDS-related support, help on anti-money laundering and tax-related support.