The World Bank’s Operations Evaluation Deptt has established a High Level External Panel for the Trade Assistance Evaluation. The five-member panel, which includes CUTS Secretary General, Pradeep S Mehta, was selected on the basis of: (i) outstanding professional credentials; (ii) leadership role among key stakeholder groups; (iii) breadth of interests and expertise in key areas; and (iv) understanding the World Bank’s role and operations.
The Panel is required to advise the OED on the design, conduct and outputs of the evaluation of the Bank’s lending and non-lending activities in the area of trade policy. It will have a life of about one year, while members will share their personal views on the reports, and are required to maintain confidentiality until the OED has submitted its report to the World Bank.