Greater Mekong Subregion

Phnom Penh Plan for Development Management (TA No. 6056)

Overview

While the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) countries have accomplished much during the past decade, development management remains weak and handicaps sustainable economic development and poverty reduction in these countries. The development challenges faced by these transition societies exemplify the importance of capacity building in the development process. There is a strong need for a critical mass of middle- and senior-level management and technical staff in the public sector in the six GMS countries, imbued with ideals of public service and supported by a firm grasp of good governance and public accountability.

Objectives and Scope

This TA project's broad goal is to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of development management in the GMS to enhance economic growth and social development. The specific objectives are:

• to strengthen the managerial capacity of middle and senior level managers in managing development plans, programs and projects
• reinforce partnerships and strengthen cooperation among GMS countries and develop institutional capacities through twinning arrangements with leading development management training institutions

• Methodology and Key Activities
• Implementation

Methodology and Key Activities

The TA is designed around a training program that will focus on development in all its major aspects. These include: policy analysis and implementation, annual and five-year planning, program and project management in its complete cycle, organizational structure, systems and procedures, procurement, relations with the executive and legislative departments, dealings with donor agencies, participatory approaches to development and management, good governance, community relations, government accounting and auditing, monitoring and evaluation, and other current development-related issues. Typically, the short-term courses will be ranging from six weeks to six months.

Key activities such as workshops, seminars, secondments and study tours will be undertaken based on demand. Centers of management training (national universities, academic/ research institutes) will be involved in the training. Twinning will be arranged with leading learning centers such as the Asian Institute of Technology, Mekong Institute, Asian Institute of Management, and others. A web site in each DMC focal institution will link with a TA web site to be developed/ based at ADB's Cambodia Resident Mission.

Implementation Arrangements

ADB will be Executing Agency, and a project steering committee will oversee the functioning of the program. The TA will be implemented over two years, with comprehensive review at the end of 18 months. Further support for the Plan will depend on the results of the training program and the value it adds to the first batch of trainees and their development environment.

Project Cost and Financing ($)

Status

Ongoing.

For detailed information on the project, write to the GMS Unit (ADB) at the following e mail address:

gms@adb.org