Pocket Economics: A Guide To Changing Lives

Rate, review and download our podcast On the 15 April 1991, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development opened its doors for business for the first time. It was conceived by its founders as ‘a new and unique structure of co‑operation’ for a continent still recovering from the shock of the collapse of communism. Its mission then, as now, was to further progress towards market-oriented economies and promote private and entrepreneurial initiative. So, at the age of 30, how is the EBRD doing? What are the challenges for its future? What has the EBRD taught some of its former staff? This special discussion brought together four EBRD Chief Economists, past and present, who shared their insights into the Bank and its influence on the countries where it works, global development and the world of international financial institutions. The inaugural Chief Economist of Asian Infrastructure and Investment Bank, Erik Berglof, talked about the technical banking skills which are unique to the EBRD as wel