88306 Romania Country Partnership Strategy FY2014-2017 Chair Summary May 22, 2014 Executive Directors discussed the joint IBRD/IFC Country Partnership Strategy (CPS) for Romania for the period FY2014-2017. Directors acknowledged the progress made by Romania in economic growth and social progress over the past decade. Directors noted the complexity of the CPS and its focus on combining the challenge of Romania’s consolidation as an EU member state, designing a new growth model while addressing issues of poverty reduction, social inclusion and social protection. Directors noted that the CPS is strongly aligned with the World Bank Group’s twin goals of reducing poverty and boosting shared prosperity and confirmed the relevance of the three CPS pillars of creating a 21st century government, growth and job creation and social inclusion. Directors welcomed the explicit positioning of the CPS within the government’s broader economic program as well as within the context of EU membership and the joint EU/IMF program. They stressed the importance for Romania to improve the utilization of EU funds including agriculture and rural development funds. Directors also encouraged closer attention to strengthening the coordination function of the government as well as closer collaboration between management and government authorities. Directors stressed the importance of tracking gender disaggregated results throughout the life of the CPS including within the growth and job creation pillar. Directors welcomed the inclusion of a focus on strengthening public service delivery, especially in the health care sector, noting the alarmingly high rate of infant mortality. Directors noted the success of the Reimbursable Advisory Services (RAS) program developed under the previous CPS and appreciated the detailed analysis and highlighting of risks presented in the CPS. Directors encouraged a strong focus on results measurement, and quality assurance particularly in poverty reduction, growth, gender, inclusion of minorities, health care and job creation. Directors urged the Bank to consider ways by which Romania’s RAS experience can be shared with other countries. Directors noted the collaboration among IBRD, IFC and MIGA as well as the close collaboration with the European Commission and the International Monetary Fund in the design of the CPS and urged staff to clearly position the WBG to ensure its resources are clearly directed at achieving the most effective results.                                                              *This summary is not an approved record.