Bulgaria's financial integration with Europe has been essential in financing economic transition and spurring economic growth. As the sovereign debt turmoil in Europe casts a cloud over the financial sector, the development of capital markets over the medium term may offer a beneficial...

"Regional agreements on standards have been largely ignored by economists and unconditionally blessed by multilateral trade rules. Chen and Mattoo find, theoretically and empirically, that such agreements increase trade between participating countries but not necessarily with the rest of the...

As a follow-up to the "Navigating Decisions in Carbon Markets" framework, this Guidance Document helps host countries develop a strategic approach for engaging with international carbon markets. It is structured into seven modules and is designed to help countries explore and answer fundamental...

The "Technical Guidance Note on Transaction Integrity for Carbon Markets Infrastructure: Tools and Recommendations" is one of five guidance notes prepared by the Carbon Markets Infrastructure Working Group (CMI WG). This note provides practical guidance to embed transaction integrity within...

The Carbon Markets Infrastructure Working Group (CMI WG), convened by the World Bank, has developed a suite of five Technical Guidance Notes to support the development of secure, connected, and trustworthy carbon market systems. Each note addresses a critical area of market...

The "Technical Guidance Note on Enhancing Data and Systems Interoperability for Carbon Markets: Current Landscape and Strategic Recommendations" is one of five guidance notes prepared by the Carbon Markets Infrastructure Working Group (CMI WG). This note aims to inform ongoing efforts to improve...

This Handbook is for practitioners working in the social protection or fisheries sectors searching for innovative ways to promote sustainable fisheries and reduce human vulnerability. Amid a global decline in fish stocks, countries face challenges in reforming policies and implementing fisheries...

The objective of this technical note is to inform the governments of Bulgaria, Croatia, Poland, and Romania about ongoing efforts and opportunities to strengthen AQM governance to achieve better air quality in these countries. To this end, the note develops a framework by which to assess...

In 2010, Kazakhstan entered into a customs union with Belarus and Russia. The first, relatively easy step in the implementation of the customs union was accomplished in 2010 with the adoption of a common external tariff, with varying exceptions in each of the three member countries. It is the...