While private investment in developing countries has been increasing dramatically, it still falls short of meeting the needs, particularly in the infrastructure sector and in the poorest countries. The World Bank Group has taken measures, and continues to explore new means, to increase the trend toward private participation in projects.

• How is the Bank Group providing financial and advisory support for private enterprise and subsovereign infrastructure projects?
• How is the Bank Group enhancing its guarantee capacity, coverage, and delivery?
• How is the Bank Group disseminating information on investment opportunities, finance and best practices?

1996 was an epoch year in which foreign institutional investors finally recognized local currency fixed-income markets as a viable asset class. However, such investments are concentrated in short-term money market instruments, because of structural impediments to other investment instruments, such as bonds.

• What measures could regulatory agencies take to remove impediments to bond market development - such as in areas of information disclosure/control and benchmarking?
• What policy developments are creating promising investment opportunities in the Asian debt markets?

Capacity building — investment in human capital and institutions — is the missing link in Africa’s development process. Consensus has emerged concerning the priorities, opportunities and challenges for such investment, as well as the imperative and role for international involvement.

• How are African countries responding to the challenges, and what responsiblities should they bear?
• What can Africa learn from the East Asian experience?
• What should the role be for the international community in future capacity building initiatives?
• Are there attractive opportunities for foreign investors as partners in this process?

Across the region, recent reform programs have transformed the economic landscape, throwing once-closed markets wide open to trade and foreign investment. Integration has made brisk progress, with leaders of the Western hemisphere pledging to achieve a region-wide “Free Trade Area of the Americas” within ten years.

• What are the new opportunities for investors in privatized utilities, infrastructure, and export-oriented manufacturing?
• What does Latin America’s transformation mean for international investors?
• What new opportunities will regional integration create?

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) has increased five-fold since 1990. So far it has been heavily concentrated in a few developing countries.

• Where are the new frontiers — the countries and sectors — for FDI in emerging markets?
• What policy reforms are needed for developing countries to attract such investment?
• What are the opportunities and the risks for investors in this less-explored terrain?

The world is rethinking the role of the state. Far-reaching developments in the global economy have us revisiting basic assumptions about government’s place in economic life. This seminar will focus on the role of government and explore areas where it is undergoing dramatic change, such as:

• Establishing a foundation of law
• Maintaining an effective economic policy environment
• Providing a comprehensive and efficient safety net
• Protecting the environment
• Giving a voice to citizens, business, and civil society