Maputo, Mozambique, December 4, 2009
, - IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, today announced the launch of the Mozambique Tourism Anchor Program’s online library, which will help increase private sector investment in Mozambique’s economically important tourism sector as well as increase transparency in the investment climate.
The Mozambique Tourism Anchor Investment Program is a joint initiative of IFC and the Ministry of Tourism. It aims to facilitate high-quality investment in the tourism sector in Mozambique whilst simultaneously removing regulatory and administrative barriers to investment.
The Mozambique Tourism Investment Climate Library, a collection of over 200 reports, studies, diagnostics, legislation and investment guides, will help investors, policy makers, and others prepare investment proposals and studies in Mozambique. The library was established by the Mozambique Tourism Anchor Investment Program, a joint initiative of Mozambique’s Ministry of Tourism and IFC.
Graham Paterson, Business Development Director for 1time Airline, said of the library, “It was this information that largely set apart our application to become the first budget airline to fly the Johannesburg Maputo route. The Tourism Investment Climate Library should be the first port of call for anyone looking into investing in tourism or related sectors in Mozambique”.
Distributed earlier on CD, the Investment Climate Library has already generated positive feedback from government officials and investors.
Ana Comoane, Mozambique’s National Director for Tourism, said, “We congratulate IFC and all contributors to the Investment Climate Library for the brilliant work, which will certainly contribute not only to the development and efficiency within the Ministry of Tourism but also to the sector at large and the general public.”
IFC and Mozambique’s Ministry of Tourism were supported in this project by a number of authors and research organizations, including Netherlands Development organization (SNV), Associação, de Commércio e Indûstria (ACIS Sofala), the Club of Mocambique and USAID. The library will be updated at regular intervals and welcomes new material at all times.
IFC is the only international financial institution focused exclusively on the private sector, the engine of sustainable development in emerging markets. Along with IBRD, IFC is currently seeking a capital increase to strengthen its ability to create opportunity for the poor in developing countries—including supporting the growth of Africa’s important tourism sector.
About IFC
IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, creates opportunity for people to escape poverty and improve their lives. We foster sustainable economic growth in developing countries by supporting private sector development, mobilizing private capital, and providing advisory and risk mitigation services to businesses and governments. Our new investments totaled $15 billion in fiscal 2009, helping channel capital into developing countries during the financial crisis. For more information, visit
www.ifc.org
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About the Investment Climate Advisory Services of the World Bank Group
The Investment Climate Advisory Services of the World Bank Group helps governments implement reforms to improve their business environment, and encourage and retain investment, thus fostering competitive markets, growth and job creation. Funding is provided by the World Bank Group (IFC, MIGA, and the World Bank) and over fifteen donor partners working through the multi-donor FIAS platform.