Argentina has reformed its public finance system and reversed years of economic decline and deficit spending. This study recommends policy options to speed the already impressive progress. These options would expand the ambitious reform program already under way. This study shows how to sustain balanced public finances over the medium term. It describes ways to sustain price stability and economic growth while providing a cushion against unexpected downturns. Also examined are ways to improve social services while reducing the size of government. Researchers discuss key reforms that could boost the fiscal surplus by as much as 1.4 percent of gross domestic product. They look at ways to build tax revenues, reduce provincial finances, and make social security more equitable. They review methods to cut defense spending and revive a moribund education system. Additional policy options offered are reforms for housing and welfare programs and pension fund investments. The study suggests ways to improve the legal framework for a stronger central bank. Also reviewed are ways to eliminate unnecessary administrative agencies and to privatize public enterprises. The government's new health insurance program is examined. This program offers universal coverage. It lets contributors choose providers and includes subsidies for those who can't pay. It also requires a minimum package of health care at a set price.

World Bank Technical Paper No. 266. Critiques both beneficial and detrimental government regulations that affect commodity markets in developing countries. Commodity markets require a regulatory environment that encourages private enterprise

This one-of-a-kind reference tool provides vital market & trade development information. Part I contains three separate sections: introduction, reference & contacts (describes the international & regional organizations, research centers, & financial institutions that facilitate international trade). Part II is divided into two groups of Sub-Saharan African countries: first & second tier; each group has an introductory overview, & information on exports & imports, on investment & trade barriers, & on the best prospects for U.S. investment & exports. Contacts & selected publications also are included.

World Bank Technical Paper No. 264. Past research into tree planting has revealed that inadequate attention is given to root development in seedling containers. This study recommends the development of a high quality potting mediato give plants the

During the past decade, raising the productivity of women became an integral element of the World Bank�s overall strategy for reducing poverty and achieving sustainable growth. The number and scope of Bank projects to provide women with enterprise development, financial services, and social intermediation services grew accordingly. This paper reviews 27 such projects in East and South Asia and provides a succinct assessment of successes, failures, and surprises. The authors identify patterns and trends in the design of projects, examine the reasons for such trends, and draw lessons about how such projects can be more effective in delivering financial services to women in these countries. Many of these women are an increasingly vital source--or the sole source--of income for their families, but they are often overlooked in the implementation of small development projects. The authors draw eight key lessons for future Bank projects to provide enterprise development and financial services. They recommend that such projects be considered one element of a coordinated country-specific strategy for poverty alleviation.

World Bank Technical Paper No. 269. Water problems are emerging as the most compelling set of issues facing agricultural production in the 1990s. To address the policy challenges posed by this dilemma, this study focuses on the experience of the Eu

This book provides an independent and comprehensive review of World Bank irrigation lending and policy between 1948 and 1993. The Bank's role in irrigation lending has been large--more than $30 billion (in current U.S. dollars) spread over some 600 projects. Only 200 projects have been in place long enough to be assessed. The overall performance record is good, but there is room for improvement. The report finds that there are still pervasive problems in maintenance and operation. Operating chaos prevails in most large canal systems in the humid tropics. In drier areas, drainage is the biggest environmental problem associated with irrigation. The author argues for upgrading existing systems, improving service, involving irrigators, and saving water where it is scarce.