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IFC Project Highlight: Economic Development Strategies for Worst-hit Counties in Wenchuan Earthquake

2009-01-10

The World Bank Group’s International Finance Corporation has retained Chreod to prepare economic renewal strategies for the three counties in China most severely damaged by the Richter 8.0 Wenchuan Earthquake of 12 May 2008 in which 90,000 people perished. Extensive field investigation and consultations will be conducted in Qingchuan, Beichuan, and Wenchuan Counties. This is Chreod’s fourth assignment for the World Bank on Wenchuan Reconstruction. Within five days of the earthquake, Chreod provided the World Bank Office in Beijing with detailed mapping of the affected areas using intensity data (MMI) from the US Geological Survey’s Earthquake Center, and Chreod’s China-wide GIS at the town, township and street committee level. Chreod was subsequently retained to prepare a Policy Note on guidelines for urban and town planning for reconstruction, one of nine Policy Notes that the Bank submitted within 30 days of the earthquake to State Council, China’s Cabinet. Chreod was then retained to conduct a baseline analysis of socio-economic conditions, prior to the earthquake, in all affected counties and cities for use in preparation of a $710 million Emergency Loan. Chreod was then asked to join the Bank’s appraisal team, and to conduct the economic analysis for the proposed Loan.