Public Information Center

The World Bank's Public Information Center (PIC) in Astana makes World Bank Group information available to the public in an effort to disseminate its work to the widest possible audience. This is in support of the World Bank's policy of disclosure about its activities and open access to its documents.

 More on the World Bank's Information Disclosure Policy

WHO CAN USE THE PUBLIC INFORMATION CENTER?

Public Information Centers are open to the public. No fee is required to use the PIC. Users can access information from the Internet and thousands of World Bank publications and other development related materials.

WHAT SERVICES ARE OFFERED?

The Public Information Center's services include: 

• Online access to World Bank project documents, reports, and publications.
• General information on the World Bank Group and its activities in Kazakhstan and the world (English and Russian)
• Access to development and research sites on the Internet.
• Access to a special collection of CDs and videotapes on development.
• Access to development-related publications by international institutions, governments, and NGOs.
• Access to an extensive cataloguing system (Global JOLIS) that allows users to see the collection of around 60 World Bank PICs around the world.
• A public PC to use CD-ROMs and Internet resources.
• Help-desk to answer electronic and phone requests.

WHAT REPORTS AND DOCUMENTS ARE AVAILABLE?

Among the Reports and Documents available at the Public Information Center are:

• Project Information Documents (PIDs). These are documents that give brief summaries of evolving projects. They are updated and expanded as the project preparation proceeds.
• Project Appraisal Documents (PADs). These contain descriptions of a project and the plan for its implementation, including procurement procedures. They are made available to the public after presentation to the World Bank's Board.
• Economic Sector Reports. These include macroeconomic analysis of Kazakhstan's economy, analyses of major economic sectors and other reports on specific issues, such as poverty assessments, etc.
• Environmental Assessments (EAs). EAs are detailed studies required for projects likely to have significant impact on the environment. Such studies are available before the final appraisal of the viability of the project.
• Loan (or Development Credit) Agreements. These are records of loan amounts and terms and conditions on which the loan is made.  They also record the borrower's general commitment to the project objectives. The agreements are made available to the public after the loan agreement is signed and declared effective or ready for disbursement.
• Bidding and consultant documents. These provide guidelines for borrowers and their implementing agencies in the procurement of goods, works and consulting services.
• UN Development Business. A United Nations publication that publishes general procurement notices for goods, works, and services to be procured through international competitive bidding for each Bank-financed project.

WORLD BANK PUBLICATIONS AND DOCUMENTS ONLINE

Many World Bank reports, publications, and other documents related to Kazakhstan are available online to read free of charge.

PURCHASING WORLD BANK PUBLICATIONS

World Bank reports and publications on Kazakhstan are also available for purchase online.

WORLD BANK DEPOSITORY LIBRARIES IN KAZAKHSTAN

  Name and location of depository library