SELECTION OF CONSULTING FIRMS BY THE WORLD BANK GROUP
REQUEST FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST (EOI)
Electronic Submissions through WBGeProcure RFx Now
ASSIGNMENT OVERVIEW
Assignment Title: CGE modelling training for the Government of Pakistan
Assignment Countries:
ASSIGNMENT DESCRIPTION
The Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) modelling training on trade policy for the Government of Pakistan will utilize the Purdue Global Trade Analysis Project (GTAP) model. This training aims to equip policymakers with the skills to analyze the potential economic impacts of trade policy changes using a rigorous and theoretically consistent framework. The GTAP model, developed by Purdue University, is a widely used multi-region CGE model that provides a comprehensive database covering production, consumption, and bilateral trade data for over 80 countries, including Pakistan. The model assumes perfect competition and constant returns to scale, making it ideal for assessing the economy-wide effects of trade reforms and policy changes.
During the training, participants will learn how to use the GTAP model to simulate various trade policy scenarios and understand their implications on different sectors of the economy. The training will cover the construction and calibration of the Social Accounting Matrix (SAM), which is essential for CGE modelling, using data from national accounts, input-output tables, and trade statistics. By the end of the training, policymakers will be able to conduct ex-ante analyses of trade policies, helping them make informed decisions that promote economic growth and development in Pakistan. The training will also highlight the strengths and limitations of CGE models, ensuring that participants can effectively interpret and apply the results in their policy-making processes.
OBJECTIVE
The training’s primary objective is to equip officials
from the Ministry of Commerce and the Ministry of Finance with the necessary
skills and analytical tools to effectively utilize the GTAP standard model for
trade policy analysis. Policymakers will enhance their understanding of the
implications of various trade policies on Pakistan’s export growth and economic
performance using a rigorous and theoretically consistent framework. The GTAP
model and database, maintained by Purdue University, is a widely used
multi-region CGE model that provides a comprehensive framework covering
production, consumption, and bilateral trade data for over 141 countries,
including Pakistan[1]. The
GTAP standard model is the cornerstone for a family of more complex and
customized models aimed for assessing the economy-wide effects of trade reforms
and policy scenarios.
During
the training, participants will learn how to use the GTAP standard model to evaluate
various trade policy scenarios and understand their implications on different
sectors of the economy. The training will emphasize constructing and updating a
Pakistani Social Accounting Matrix (SAM), which is essential for CGE modelling,
using national accounts, input-output tables, trade data, and household and
firm-level data. By the end of the training, policymakers will be able to
conduct ex-ante analyses of trade policies, helping them make informed
decisions that promote economic growth and development in Pakistan. The
training will also highlight the strengths and limitations of CGE models,
ensuring that participants can effectively interpret and apply the results in
their policy-making processes.
Scope of Work
The training will cover
the following key areas:
- Introduction to CGE modeling and
its relevance in trade analysis.
- Understanding the GTAP model framework and data requirements.
- Hands-on training sessions to develop customized CGE models tailored
to the Pakistani context.
- Skills development in conducting simulations and interpreting model
outputs.
Timelines and Deliverables
The consultancy is for the
duration of January 2025 – March 2025 with the delivery of final products by March
31st, 2025. The deliverables are as follows:
- A customized and updated CGE model and GTAP database
according to Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Commerce requirements. The
contractor will be responsible for purchasing licenses for the use of the
GTAP 11 database for both Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Commerce
with a copy of the GTAP database available for each ministry.
- Three comprehensive training
modules (total of 7 full days) on the GTAP model delivered to the Ministry
of Commerce and Ministry of Finance between January and March 2025. At
least two of the modules (six full days minimum) should be delivered
in-person in Islamabad.
- Recorded training sessions for
reference and further learning.
- PDF materials summarizing
training content, methodologies, and resources used during training.
- Ongoing three-month virtual
support for the Ministry of Finance (MoF) and Ministry of Commerce (MoC)
to facilitate the application of GTAP in their trade policy analysis.
Payment Schedule
1.
Detailed learning plan and schedule/agenda for three training
modules – 10% of contract value
2.
Completion of one on-line introductory training module – 20% of
contract value
3.
Delivery of two in-person training modules – 50% of contract value
4.
Delivery of recordings and materials summarizing training content,
methodologies, and resources used during training – 20% of contract value
Reporting
The
consultant will be recruited and financed by the World Bank and will report to
respective leads for the World Bank engagement on Trade (Anna Twum based in
Islamabad, Pakistan, and Guillermo Arenas, based in Washington DC) and work in
close collaboration with the Ministry of Commerce and the Ministry of Finance
to customize the training curriculum before and during the implementation of
the training. Coordination with designated leads will be essential at all
stages of the consultancy, ensuring alignment with the strategic goals of the
ministries.
Required Competencies
The ideal candidates for this training should possess
competencies that include but are not limited to:
- Track record of delivering CGE training: Trainers should have a proven history of conducting
CGE training sessions ideally for government agencies with varied levels
of modelling expertise. This includes the ability to effectively
communicate complex economic models and theories to diverse audiences.
- Strong
foundation in economic and trade theory and analysis: A strong
understanding of international trade theories and principles is essential and experience
with economic analysis across various domains such as trade, emissions,
energy, natural resources, agriculture, poverty, migration, labor and
employment, urbanization, and disaster management.
- CGE and GTAP modelling proficiency: Proficiency
in developing customized Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) models,
econometric models, and financial models applicable to public and private
sectors. Competence in using GTAP models as well as skills in interpreting
model outputs. Experience in creating specialized databases to support CGE and
econometric research
- Strong teaching and communication Skills: Capability in
delivering training courses on CGE modeling principles and applications. Strong
ability to convey complex concepts clearly and effectively, adapting
communication based on the audience's level of understanding.
- Interpersonal Skills: Building rapport and
fostering an engaging learning environment among trainees, with sensitivity to
diverse backgrounds and expertise.
FUNDING SOURCE
The World Bank Group intends to finance the assignment / services described below under the following:
SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
The World Bank Group invites eligible firms to indicate their interest in providing the services. Interested firms must provide information indicating that they are qualified to perform the services (brochures, description of similar assignments, experience in similar conditions, availability of appropriate skills among staff, etc. for firms; CV and cover letter for individuals). Please note that the total size of all attachments should be less than 5MB. Firms may associate to enhance their qualifications unless otherwise stated in the solicitation documents. Where a group of firms associate to submit an EOI, they must indicate which is the lead firm. If shortlisted, the firm identified in the EOI as the lead firm will be invited to the request for proposal (RFP) phase.
Expressions of Interest should be submitted, in English, electronically through WBGeProcure RFx Now
NOTES
Following this invitation for EOI, a shortlist of qualified firms will be formally invited to submit proposals. Shortlisting and selection will be subject to the availability of funding.
Only those firms which have been shortlisted will be invited to participate in the RFP phase. No notification or debrief will be provided to firms which have not been shortlisted.
If you encounter technical difficulties while uploading documents, please send an e-mail to the Help Desk at corporateprocurement@worldbank.org prior to the submission deadline.
