DEVELOPMENT NEWS
Promoting a resilient, sustainable economy and climate action in Paraguay
A US$100 million OPEC Fund loan will bolster the country’s sustainable economic and climate policies
T he OPEC Fund is providing a US$100 million sovereign policy-based loan to Paraguay to strengthen the country’s sustainable economic development and increase its climate change resilience. The program – supported with a US$300 million loan by CAF – Development Bank of Latin America – aims to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of public resources for implementing sustainable policy measures. OPEC Fund Director-General Abdulhamid Alkhalifa said: “Severe droughts have recently demonstrated Paraguay’s vulnerability to climate change. This program will help combat adverse effects and secure long-term economic sustainability. Our loan will support Paraguay in adopting measures to strengthen its resilience and reduce its vulnerability to climate change.” Policy-based lending contributes to
countries’ financing needs by providing fast-disbursing resources conditional on policy and institutional reforms that help strengthen the economic framework and support the creation of conditions for sustainable and inclusive growth. These loans support a reform agenda and the implementation of policies agreed between co-financiers and the government. Paraguay’s program, supported by the OPEC Fund and CAF, focuses on two main components: sustainable development and fiscal sustainability. Policy actions include, among others, approving a national electric mobility strategy, updating the National Determined Contributions of the Paris Agreement and measures to protect water resources. Fiscal sustainability entails policy actions focusing on public spending and concrete actions to promote
private sector financing for public works. The OPEC Fund has supported Paraguay’s sustainable development since 1978, with more than US$600 million loans to date in support of transport, energy, agriculture, and water & sanitation projects.
Since 1978, the OPEC Fund has supported Paraguay with loans worth more than US$600 MN
44
Powered by FlippingBook