IDB unveils 2005 seminar schedule

The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has published a tentative business seminar schedule for 2005 that includes themes on the environment, water, sanitation, procurement, infrastructure and financing. On February 3, the bank will hold a seminar on the environment, agriculture, water and sanitation. Topics will include pollution control and waste management; sustainable development and ecotourism; and coastal conservation and watershed management. The seminar also will cover potable water and sanitation systems, including IDB financing of private sector projects in water and sewerage. From April 28-29, the bank will host a procurement workshop. The seminar will include a look at procurement and consulting procedures and how to bid on IDB-financed contracts for goods, equipment, works and consulting services (both for public and private sector projects). Other topics covered in the April meeting will include the roles of the IDB country office in the procurement process plus tips from firms that have participated in IDB procurement on issues such as finding local partners, tracking projects and recourse options. Financing private and public infrastructure projects will be the theme for the September 22-23 seminar. Topics will include the following: Project financing options for large infrastructure projects via the IDB private sector department; equity funds; private-sector support activities supported by the multilateral investment fund; and financing small and medium-sized privately owned projects through the loans and guarantee programs. For more information on the seminars contact Marcos Lorenzo at marcosl@iadb.org