Working with the World Bank and Multilateral Development Banks
The B.C. Government’s Trade and Investment Division works with a network of Canadian partners to connect B.C. businesses to procurement and financing opportunities through the World Bank Group and Multilateral Development Banks.
Funding projects in developing countries worth approximately $150 billion each year, these banks focus on alleviating poverty and economic development. Projects span an array of sectors such as goods and equipment, civil works and consulting services. Let us help you navigate the abundant opportunities to expand into international markets, with high transparency and reduced risk.
Opportunities
The categories for bank-funded opportunities are corporate procurement, project procurement and project financing.
Corporate Procurement
Corporate procurement includes goods, equipment and services for bank operations (i.e. furniture, security systems and consulting).
Learn about World Bank procurement opportunities by registering with econsultant2. Corporate procurement information for the Multilateral Development Banks is available on their websites.
Project Procurement
Project procurement refers to ‘on the ground’ projects in developing countries, which range significantly in size and scope. With the banks providing $150 billion annually in loans and grants, the borrowing or recipient countries use these funds to carry out their poverty alleviation and economic development initiatives. B.C. businesses need to understand who the client is – the bank or the borrowing country?
Project Financing
Companies seeking equity, quasi-equity, loans, risk management and local currency products to develop projects overseas should consider opportunities through the banks. These opportunities are negotiated on a case-by-case basis – to learn more contact us.
How do I find out about these opportunities?
- Search for opportunities on bank websites (see resource links) and register to receive regular updates.
- Make yourself known by building relationships with your regional contact, bank staff at the headquarters and applicable country offices.
- Pursue subcontracting opportunities: review contracts awarded and contact prime contractors.
- Participate in local events, international missions and webinars relating to the World Bank and Multilateral Development Banks. To be added to our email list, check our events calendar or contact us to be added to our email list.
- Purchase a subscription to Devex, which connects subcontractors, suppliers and local NGOs to more than $260 billion in contract and grant opportunities from leading firms and foreign aid agencies.