Publications
Summary of publication
This report contains the findings of an Independent Evaluation of two South Asia regional programs commissioned by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT): Infrastructure for Growth (IFG) and the South Asia Regional Trade Facilitation Program (SARTFP).
The evaluation found there is good evidence IFG has been effective in achieving its goals. IFG funded research and analysis addressed knowledge gaps in areas of energy, transport and climate change, and improved the quality of World Bank loans.
The evaluation found SARTFP is beginning to show development outcomes, including contributions to regional connectivity and trade facilitation. The gender focus of SARTFP is providing resources that do not exist elsewhere for innovators and early adopters in the World Bank and the region to demonstrate how gender equality can be integrated into projects.
The management response outlines DFAT's response to the recommendations provided in the independent evaluation of the Infrastructure for Growth (IFG) and South Asia Regional Trade Facilitation (SARTFP) Programs. The evaluators provided 24 recommendations. DFAT 'agrees' with 18 and 'agrees in part' with six. DFAT does not 'disagree' with any of the recommendations.