Singapore and the World Bank


Singapore officially joined the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development on August 3, 1966 after Singapore's independence from Malaysia. By 1975, Singapore received 14 total loans from the World Bank, 10 of these loans were used exclusively for infrastructure projects. Currently, Singapore is a member of World Bank Group Institutions including International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, International Finance Corporation, Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency, International Development Association, and the International Centre of Settlement of Investment Disputes.

Infrastructure Projects

The Port of Singapore Expansion and Improvement Project

The first infrastructure project was the expansion of the Jurong Harbour in Singapore. The objective of the project was to help establish new real estate and satellite cities surrounding the area. Estimated to cost S$14-million, the Jurong Port was completed in 1966. During this time, it was estimated that about 200-300 jobs were created. Additionally, the harbour's expansion linked Singapore to international shipping lines.
Upon completion, the Jurong Port had 5 deep-water berths, stretching a total of 9,000 feet. These deep-water berths allowed the deepest ships to dock in port to provide the city with cargo and raw materials. Additionally, the new berths helped increase port traffic significantly. The project was successful and, in 1969, the government began to draft new plans for the port.

Current Agreements with the World Bank

Singapore: First Infrastructure and Urban Development Hub

In 2015, Singapore signed an agreement with the World Bank to establish the country as its first infrastructure and urban development hub. The operation will employ hundreds of new people over the next 2 years in both the World Bank and the private sector arms. The new hub will provide financing and services to developing economies with a focus on sustainable infrastructure and urban development. Projects on the public sector side will be dedicated to sustainable energy, transport, information and communications technology, public-private partnerships, trade and competitiveness, and urban development as well as the global infrastructure facility.