Development and natural resources: How to break the curse?

(Caracas, April 2, 2009).- Development and natural resources, how to break the curse? is the theme chosen by CAF for the eighth annual Program for Research on Development Issues (PAI). The invitation to submit entries was launched today for students, researchers and academics.

"The surprising characteristic of the economic development of countries abundant in natural resources - said Germán Rios, CAF acting head of Public Policy and Competitiveness - is that they tend to grow less than the other countries." "In the context of the debate which this situation creates, the objective of the invitation is to promote research on issues associated with abundant natural resources and their relation to development," Ríos added.

The program is aimed mainly, although not exclusively, at researchers associated with universities, research institutes and other public and private institutions in Latin America. However, the invitation is also extended to assistant professors, researchers or postgraduate students from CAF shareholder countries who work in institutions in the United States or Europe and who focus on issues related to Latin America.

The deadline for submission of proposals is May 15. These will then be evaluated by a jury of academics, policymakers and CAF researchers on the basis of their quality and relevance to Latin America. The results will be announced on June 15, 2009 and the final works must be submitted before December 15, 2009.

The requirements must be sent by e-mail to desarrollo@caf.com, CAF Research Support Program, Andean Development Corporation, Caracas, Venezuela. The terms of reference are available on the webpage (www.caf.com) in the “Bulletin Board” section. For more information, contact Stefania Scandizzo, email: stefania.scandizzo@caf.com or Clarissa Santelmo: clarissa.santelmo@caf.com.

In previous competitions, an average of 60 entries have been received from 12 countries ranging from Australia, Spain, United States, France to India along with South American countries. In past years the issues dealt with have been development with infrastructure; social policies; productivity and diversification; international trade; and the growth of Latin America from different perspectives.

CAF will grant US$10,000 to the selected works for use in the research. The Corporation will also cover travel and lodging expenses for a seminar in Caracas to be held at the next LACEA annual meeting in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

The Corporation reserves the right to publish and distribute the resulting works. The authors, however, are free to publish their works in specialized reviews or other publications, or use them to comply with academic requirements, provided CAF sponsorship is recognized.

If the authors wish to present their works in other places, they are requested to write – in additional to the technical version of work – a shorter version emphasizing policy recommendations for publication in a CAF publication.