Johannesburg - Planning Minister
Trevor Manuel will head up an independent panel set up by the World Bank to review its Doing Business project.
The bank made the announcement on Friday.
The project produces an annual report that helps “catalyse business regulations and track progress on the implementation of reforms”. Its indicators are used in research by academics and development agencies.
Manuel will chair the panel that comprises former senior government officials from Brazil, Lebanon, China, Britain and South Korea.
They are expected to produce a report on the work of Doing Business and come up with a final report by May 15 next year.
This is a short-term assignment and Manuel will remain in his position as minister.
According to a World Bank statement, Manuel’s role will be to have “overall responsibility for ensuring smooth functioning of the panel’s deliberations, the development of needed content and the timely delivery of the panel’s recommendations”.