Our federal government – to protect a Canadian multinational – is trying to thwart World Bank rules that would punish a company for international corruption. We need your help to encourage the World Bank to live up to its rules and to let Canada’s new prime minister, Paul Martin, know that we will expect more from Canada under his leadership.
World Bank returns to the infrastructure business
(September 17, 2003) In recent months, under pressure from some of its big borrower countries, and with a realisation that private sector investment has been lacking in critical areas, the bank is returning to the infrastructure business. It says it has learnt from its mistakes. But environmentalist critics are less sure.
Nam Theun 2 draws interest from overseas
(September 10, 2003) Power producers from Norway and Japan are reportedly interested in taking the place of state-owned Electricite{AAC} de France (EDF) in the US$1.2-billion Nam Theun 2 hydropower project in Laos.
Statement on Bujagali – Government/World Bank closed meetings
(September 9, 2003) In the weeks since AES pulled out of the Bujagali Dam project, there has been much confusion over what will happen next, and the long-term implications for the Ugandan energy sector.
New policy to restore investor confidence in Lesotho
(August 27, 2003) "Once the international companies and the international community as a whole realize that there’s zero tolerance on corruption, then it clearly means that there’d be more investors coming to Lesotho." – Fine Maema, Lesotho’s Attorney General.
Request to EDC for a clear statement of EDC’s policy on bribery and convicted companies
(August 22, 2003) We ask you to commit to a thorough investigation of all transactions involving Acres International, and a barring of Acres International from future EDC transactions for a period no less than five years.
UPDATE – AES pulls out of $580 million Uganda dam project
(August 13, 2003) Independent power producer AES Corp., has pulled out of a World Bank sponsored dam project in Uganda, raising questions about the future of the controversial plan.
Ombudsman releases report on Lesotho Highlands Development Authority and affected communities
(August 6, 2003) The Lesotho Highlands Development Authority should pay interest on delayed compensation for communities affected by the giant Lesotho Highlands Water Project’s Phase 1B, Ombudsman says.
Egat sets deadline for Nam Theun-Big project in Laos loses major investor
(July 19, 2003) Thailand’s state powerproducer reacted immediately after the state-owned Electricite de France (EDF) pulled out of Nam Theun 2, raising questions about the future of Indochina’s biggest hydroelectric dam venture.
World Bank Says Laos Dam Project Affected By EDF Pull Out
(July 18, 2003) The World Bank said Friday the decision of French utility Electricite de France (F.EDF) to withdraw from the long-delayed and controversial $1.1 billion hydroelectric power project Nam Theun 2 in Laos may jeopardize the future of the project.
Thais To Wait 1 Yr For Lao Hydro Pwr; EDF Pulls Out
(July 18, 2003) Thai Energy Minister Prommin Lertsuridej said Friday the country still wants to buy power from Laos’ long-delayed Nam Theun 2 hydroelectric power project, but would wait only one more year before seeking other sources for its long-term energy needs.
EdF pulls out of $1.1bn Laos dam project
(July 18, 2003) Prospects for Laos to sell hydropower to neighbouring Thailand suffered a blow after Electricit de France (EdF) unexpectedly withdrew from a controversial $1.1bn dam.
EdF exit leaves Laos dam searching for partners
(July 18, 2003) Laos faces a tough challenge in finding a new partner for the planned Nam Theun II hydro-dam after losing Electricite de France’s backing for the $1.1 billion project, bankers said on Friday, Reuters reports.
World Bank gets cold feet in Laos
(July 15, 2003) This month Thailand is expected to sign a multi-billion-dollar deal to buy power from the decade-old Nam Theun 2 hydro project in central Laos. But the dam’s fate will ultimately be decided in Washington, D.C., not Bangkok.
News Release: World Bank bonds boycott
(July 7, 2003) The World Bank Bonds Boycott campaign commends America’s largest private pension system for sellings its remaining World Bank bonds and encourages other funds to follow its lead.
Patricia Adams
Dai Qing
Fan Xiao
Lawrence Solomon
Mu Lan
Probe International
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Probe Media
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