Mr. Outtara noted. I see from the program that you will be discussing the analytical and operational dimensions of this Initiative, and we look forward very much to your input - especially since we expect to move forward with the first country cases early next year. We are looking also at how we might improve selective instruments such as guarantees, and strengthen our partnership with the private sector to leverage increased investment in vital areas such as infrastructure. Above all, we are increasing our focus on helping our clients create a climate that is conducive to sustained local and foreign investment. That is the real key.
Investment is linked to good economic policies and good governance.
Capital goes to those countries that get the fundamentals right. It also erodes the constituency for official development assistance - which is a further item on your agenda during this Conference. The fact is that for the foreseeable future, the world's poorest nations simply cannot survive without aid. And yet, as we know, official development assistance is at its lowest level in over two decades. This is all the more worrisome at a time when many low-income countries lack access to capital markets and need assistance to become integrated into the global economy.