Guidelines for the Economic Analysis of Projects

Abstract

These new guidelines have been prepared by the Project Economic Evaluation Division of the Economics and Development Resource Center, in consultation with the Interdepartmental Working Group and after comments from staff in the Bank’s Projects Departments. They outline the principles upon which the economic analysis of projects should be based. The appendices provide illustrations of their application. The guidelines provide the basis for quantifying and valuing project costs and benefits where all relevant data are available. However, it may not always be possible to quantify and value all the costs and benefits of a particular project. The guidelines provide for the ideal situation to which Bank practice should aspire.