## _061013 - EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

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### Introduction and purpose
- Management delegated to Heads of Departments approval of circulation of final technical assistance (TA) advice to the Executive Board; revisions also clarify procedural details.
- Objective: wider dissemination of TA Information to improve coordination with donors and TA providers, exploit synergies, prioritize and leverage limited TA resources, strengthen ownership in TA recipient countries, and promote public understanding of best practices and IMF TA experience.
- The guidelines place potential TA recipients on notice that, by requesting IMF TA, they will be deemed to have consented to dissemination of certain TA information unless they explicitly object (paragraphs referenced: ¶5, ¶15, ¶24).

### Temporal scope
- The procedures apply only to TA information concerning TA projects approved on or after the effective date of May 1, 2009 (see paragraph 4).
- The guidelines became effective on May 1, 200924.

### Substantive scope — categories of TA Information covered (¶5)
- (a) The fact of the provision of TA and the subject matter of TA.
- (b) Information on the administration of TA projects (examples: project framework, monitoring and evaluation, budget figures, funding source, timing of missions).
- (c) Information received or generated by IMF staff that forms the basis of IMF TA advice, including drafts prepared before final TA advice is provided.
- (d) Final TA advice: output of TA once in final form delivered by IMF staff to the TA recipient (examples: TA reports, finalized draft legislation, final aide-mémoires, e-mails, or oral advice).

### Intended recipients of TA Information (non-exhaustive list) (¶5)
- (a) The TA recipient and other agencies or instrumentalities within the member country, non-member or international agency to which IMF TA is provided.
- (b) Executive Directors and members of their staff.
- (c) Donors and other TA providers (definition: official bilateral or multilateral public-sector agencies/instrumentalities providing grants or concessional financing for TA; includes parties on Steering Committees for regional technical assistance centers or topical trust funds).
- (d) IMF staff.
- (e) The general public.

### Exclusions — TA-related information not covered by these guidelines (¶6–7)
- FSAP Reports: not covered because governed by a separate regime reflecting IMF–World Bank understandings (see Confidentiality Protocol referenced).
- ROSCs: not covered because dissemination is governed by the Transparency Policy Decision.
- Safeguards Assessment Reports: not covered; subject to safeguards assessment disclosure regime.
- Information governed by Board-established transmittal and open archives policies:
  - Transmittal Policy: routine transmittal of certain reports to specified international agencies (rarely used for TA reports).
  - Open Archives Policy: TA reports over 20 years old may be available upon request, except reports originally classified “Strictly Confidential” when the Managing Director finds they remain highly confidential or sensitive.

### Procedures for dissemination — broad principles
- Fact of TA provision and subject matter (¶8):
  - Not considered confidential unless TA recipient specifically indicates otherwise at time of request.
  - Ordinarily made available to Executive Directors in staff reports; may be made available to TA providers, donors, and the general public upon request.
  - TA recipient’s explicit request to withhold such information will be respected.
- Information on administration of TA projects (¶9):
  - Not considered confidential unless TA recipient specifies otherwise at time of request.
  - May be shared with Executive Directors and their staff upon request; results of TA evaluations continue to be reported annually to Executive Directors under the TA Evaluation Program.
  - Readily available to other TA providers and donors upon request; may be made available to the general public.
  - IMF staff will not disclose third-party confidential information (e.g., terms of employment of a TA expert).
- Information forming the basis of TA advice (¶10):
  - Includes: (a) information provided by TA recipient or third parties in the context of TA; (b) information generated by IMF staff during TA before advice is finalized.
  - Presumed confidential and generally not published.
  - Dissemination beyond IMF staff, management and the TA recipient requires consent:
    - Consent by the head of the authoring TA department in consultation with the relevant area department.
    - Explicit consent of the TA recipient is required.
    - If information was received from a third party, explicit consent of that third party is also required.
  - Considerations in deciding dissemination consent:
    - Likelihood that sharing could undermine IMF’s ability to obtain necessary data and information from country authorities and third parties.
    - Impact on the candor of discussions during TA project execution (exchanges with country authorities and third parties or internal staff deliberations).
- Final TA advice (¶11):
  - Considered confidential; dissemination requires consent of the TA recipient.
  - Forms: (i) TA reports, (ii) other documents containing finalized IMF staff advice (e.g., draft legislation, final aide-mémoires), (iii) final advice conveyed by e-mail or orally.
  - TA recipients may withdraw consent to disseminate at any time prior to actual dissemination, except where ex-ante irrevocable consent may be required for externally-financed TA (see paragraph 15 for such cases).
  - All TA reports shall include a disclaimer summarizing the IMF’s policy for dissemination of this type of information according to the guidelines (see Appendix B).

### Specific procedural notes
- Dissemination within the IMF:
  - Fact/administration information and certain other categories may be included in staff reports to Executive Directors and provided to Directors’ offices upon request (referenced in ¶8–¶9).
  - Heads of authoring TA departments have delegated authority to consent to dissemination of information forming the basis of TA advice and, per management decision, approval of circulation of final technical assistance advice to the Executive Board.
- Dissemination outside the IMF:
  - World Bank staff, donors and other TA providers may request access to certain categories of TA Information; access to information forming the basis of TA advice requires explicit consent of the TA recipient and, where relevant, third-party consent; information on administration and the fact/subject matter of TA is generally available unless withheld by TA recipient.
- Implementation and notification:
  - The guidelines will be published and notified to members and potential TA recipients to provide notice of presumed consent rules and the ability to object.
  - Except for cases requiring ex-ante irrevocable consent for externally-financed TA, consent to disseminate may be withdrawn by the TA recipient or a third party that provided confidential information any time prior to actual dissemination.

### IV. Specific procedures for dissemination of final TA advice — key operational points

A. Dissemination of Final TA Advice within the IMF
- Distinction between “TA reports” and “other types of final TA advice” for operational handling.
- Dissemination of final TA advice to IMF staff:
  - TA reports:
    - Authoring TA departments must forward all finalized TA reports, except those classified as “STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL” and FSAP reports, to the Institutional Repository.
    - TA reports classified “FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY” are accessible to all staff.
    - TA reports classified “CONFIDENTIAL” are accessible to a smaller group of staff, determined by IMF internal policies regarding classified documents (access on a need to know basis). The authoring TA department decides need to know on a case-by-case basis, taking into account express or implied understandings with the TA recipient and surrounding circumstances.
    - TA reports classified as “CONFIDENTIAL” are reclassified automatically “FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY” after two years, unless sensitivity remains according to the authoring TA department or relevant area department.
  - Other types of final TA advice:
    - May be disseminated to IMF staff in accordance with the document’s classification and IMF internal policies regarding classified documents.
- Dissemination of final TA advice to Executive Directors and their staff:
  - TA reports:
    - General practice: make TA reports available to the Executive Director for the country of the TA recipient unless the TA recipient specifically requests otherwise.
    - For other Executive Directors and their staff, access requires the consent of the TA recipient. Consent is deemed obtained unless the TA recipient objects within 60 days of transmittal of the TA report. The transmittal letter or other transmittal document must expressly refer to this 60-day period.
  - Other types of final TA advice:
    - May be shared with the Executive Director for the country of the TA recipient unless the TA recipient specifically requests otherwise.
    - For other Executive Directors and their staff, access may be obtained upon request provided the TA recipient does not specifically object within 60 days from the date IMF staff requests consent.
- Notes on “STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL” TA reports:
  - Dissemination follows IMF internal policies regarding classified documents (General Administrative Order No. 35, Rev. 2) and the IMF’s Open Archives Policy for sharing outside the IMF.
  - Access limited to addressees meeting the “strict need to know criterion”.
  - Outside the IMF, persons may request access to “STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL” documents if the documents are over 20 years old and with the Managing Director’s consent to declassification. The Managing Director has delegated declassification authority under the Open Archives Policy to heads of departments.
  - The Managing Director, with the consent of the TA recipient, may approve sharing “STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL” TA reports outside the IMF prior to the 20-year period if confidentiality understandings are reached.

B. Dissemination of Final TA Advice, Including TA Reports, Outside the IMF
- Dissemination within the direct recipient organization:
  - Duty of confidentiality is owed to the TA recipient, defined as the direct recipient (the specific agency or instrumentality to whom the TA is directed).
  - Final TA advice should be addressed to the head of that agency or instrumentality.
  - IMF encourages the direct TA recipient to share information with other agencies/instrumentalities; IMF staff may also share with those entities with the direct TA recipient’s consent obtained on a non-objection basis. Consent is deemed given if no objection is raised within 60 days.
- Dissemination to donors and TA providers (other than the World Bank):
  - With the consent of the TA recipient, final TA advice may be shared with donors and other TA providers with legitimate interest, upon request. Consent is on a no-objection basis: deemed given if TA recipient does not object within 60 days from the TA report’s transmittal letter.
  - Authoring TA department, in consultation with the relevant area department, must determine that the donor or TA provider has a legitimate interest (examples: (a) a donor financing a TA project producing the report; (b) a donor or TA provider engaging in related activities in the recipient country in the subject matter of the IMF’s TA advice).
  - Dissemination to donors/TA providers requires an understanding that the information shall be kept confidential.
  - Some donors require as a funding condition that TA reports be shared with them; IMF management may approve such requests only if the TA recipient provides ex ante irrevocable consent to share all TA reports from that project with the applicable donor(s). In ex ante irrevocable consent cases, the TA recipient cannot withdraw consent once TA provision has begun.
- Dissemination to World Bank staff:
  - For TA provided to IMF members:
    - Under the Concordat on IMF-World Bank collaboration, IMF staff may share final TA advice, including TA reports, with World Bank staff upon request without explicit consent of the TA recipient; IMF members are presumed to have implicitly consented by requesting IMF TA in full knowledge of these rules.
    - Authoring TA departments retain discretion whether any particular TA report should be shared with World Bank staff and may consult the TA recipient; if the TA recipient objects, IMF staff should respect those wishes.
    - Sharing is guided by the Joint Management Action Plan (JMAP) for Enhancing IMF-World Bank Collaboration.
    - Confidentiality expectations: information classified as “CONFIDENTIAL” should be made available within the World Bank only to those with a “need to know”; “STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL” only to those with a “strict need to know”; World Bank staff shall not disclose classified information beyond the World Bank.
  - For TA provided to non-members and international agencies:
    - No existing understanding permits sharing with World Bank staff; explicit consent of the TA recipient is required before any disclosure.
- Dissemination to the general public (publication):
  - All types of final TA advice may be published; IMF encourages publication of TA reports and encourages TA recipients to publish reports on their own websites.
  - Publication by the IMF requires explicit consent of the TA recipient and approval of the head of the authoring TA department, in consultation with the relevant area department. The TA recipient may withdraw consent at any time prior to publication.
  - Publication by the TA recipient on its own website or otherwise requires approval of the head of the authoring TA department in consultation with the relevant area department.
  - Prior to publication by the IMF or the TA recipient, the TA report or other final TA advice should be circulated to the Executive Board for information in the form to be published (after deletions or corrections).
  - Prior to publication, sensitive information may be removed; factual corrections and corrections to ensure accurate characterization of views may be introduced.
    - Deletions:
      - TA recipient may propose deletions prior to publication provided material is not already public and qualifies as: (i) highly-market sensitive information; or (ii) policy intentions whose premature disclosure would seriously undermine implementation.
      - Authoring TA department staff will provide other relevant departments, including the area department, the opportunity to review and comment on proposed deletions.
      - Management will decide on proposed deletions after interdepartmental review, considering criteria and other factors.
      - Before publication, the following shall be removed: (i) references to unpublished IMF documents, (ii) certain internal processes not disclosed under existing policies (including inquiries regarding possible misreporting and breaches of members’ obligations), and (iii) discussions of a breach of obligation under Article VIII, Section 5 or misreporting that the Managing Director has proposed to be treated as de minimis in nature.
    - Corrections:
      - Corrections may be proposed to resolve: (i) data or typographical errors; (ii) factual mistakes; and (iii) mischaracterization of views by the TA recipient or IMF staff arising in the internal review process.
      - Authoring TA department staff will provide other relevant departments, including the area department, the opportunity to review and comment on proposed corrections.
      - Management will decide on proposed corrections following interdepartmental review.
    - Management’s objection to publication:
      - Management may withhold consent to publication to maintain the intellectual integrity of IMF TA advice and preserve the substantive thrust of recommendations if it disagrees with deletions or corrections proposed by the TA recipient.

### V. Implementation of the guidelines (selected operational points)
- Under IMF internal policies regarding classified documents, management has generally delegated decisions on dissemination of information to heads of departments. TA-providing departments are responsible for implementing the specified procedures unless otherwise indicated.
- Legal/practical principle: IMF management and staff may not disclose information provided in confidence by a member or other party unless that party consents. Determination of whether information was provided in confidence is based on examination of surrounding circumstances, including the nature of the information and whether there was an express or implied understanding that the information would not be disclosed without the other party’s consent.
- Departments should consult ICD and LEG whenever issues concerning the implementation of these guidelines are unclear.

### Reference to guidelines and notification upon TA requests
- Staff should highlight the guidelines to potential TA recipients when discussing the possibility of TA.
- Upon receiving a request for TA, staff should ensure TA recipients are made aware of the existence and general content of these guidelines.
- In responding affirmatively to a request for IMF TA, staff may:
  - attach a copy of the guidelines; or
  - include a link to the IMF’s external website in the response, underscoring that in certain cases, final TA advice may be shared within and outside the IMF on a non-objection basis in accordance with the procedures set forth in these guidelines.
- Further reminders of the guidelines should be provided:
  - at the start and end of TA missions; and
  - in documents transmitting final TA advice.
- Example link provided in the model transmittal letter: http://www.imf.org/external/np/pp/eng/2013/061013.pdf

### Appendices — procedural templates and required wording
- Appendix A: Model Transmittal Letter (key procedural points)
  - Transmittal letter model elements include enclosing copies, identifying authoring TA department, date of mission, mission chief, and confirmation that recommendations were discussed with the recipient.
  - Disclosure policy text in the model letter: If the TA recipient does not expressly object within 60 days of the transmittal letter, the recipient will be deemed to have consented to sharing the enclosed TA report with IMF Executive Directors and members of their staff, and, upon their request, with donors and other TA providers with legitimate interest.
  - Publication encouragement: explicit consent from the TA recipient is required to publish the TA report on the IMF website; the recipient may publish through its own outlets with IMF approval.
  - Signature authority: RTAC-prepared TA reports transmittal letters signed by the RTAC Coordinator; HQ missions by the TA department director or authorized staff member.
- Appendix B: Model Disclaimer (required wording)
  - Required disclaimer to be included in all IMF TA reports (verbatim structure provided):
    - “The contents of this report constitute technical advice provided by the staff of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to the authorities of a[ member country][non-member][international agency] (the "TA recipient") in response to their request for technical assistance. This report (in whole or in part) or summaries thereof may be disclosed by the IMF to IMF Executive Directors and members of their staff, as well as to other agencies or instrumentalities of the TA recipient, and upon their request, to World Bank staff, and other technical assistance providers and donors with legitimate interest [if applicable only] members of the Steering Committee of [name of RTAC of TTF], unless the TA recipient specifically objects to such disclosure (see Operational Guidelines for the Dissemination of Technical Assistance Information—[add hyperlink]). Publication or Disclosure of this report (in whole or in part) or summaries thereof to parties outside the IMF other than agencies or instrumentalities of the TA recipient, World Bank staff, other technical assistance providers and donors with legitimate interest [if applicable only] members of the Steering Committee of [name of RTAC of TTF] shall require the explicit consent of the TA recipient and the IMF’s [authoring] Department.”
  - Staff may use this disclaimer when disseminating other types of final TA advice if circumstances require.
- Appendix C: Donor and TA Provider Confidentiality Communications
  - Model Institutional Communication on Confidentiality requests recipients to confirm they will treat any TA information received as confidential and solely for internal use and not disclose outside the recipient organization without express authorization by the IMF and the TA recipient.
  - Confirmation of Understandings on Confidentiality: model language confirming requested documents will be treated as confidential and solely for internal use.

### Categorization summary (preserved characterizations)
- The Fact of and Subject-Matter of TA (Not considered confidential, unless TA recipient requests otherwise)
  - Inside IMF: Available2; Available in staff reports; Available to Executive Directors.
  - Outside IMF: Ordinarily available34; May be made publicly available.
- Information Related to the Administration of TA (Not considered confidential, unless TA recipient requests otherwise)
  - Inside IMF: Available2; Results of TA evaluations available annually under the IMF’s TA Evaluation Program.
  - Outside IMF: Available; Ordinarily available34; May be made publicly available.
- Information Forming the Basis of TA Advice (Considered confidential and generally not made available beyond IMF staff)
  - Inside IMF: Available2; Not made available to Executive Directors.
  - Outside IMF: Available except for confidential information internally generated by IMF staff or provided by third parties (available if third party consents). For coordination and synergies, may be made available4 with (i) the prior consent of the TA recipient (and the prior consent of a third party if the latter provided information on a confidential basis) and (ii) the approval of TA authoring department3 6. Generally not made publicly available.
- Final TA Advice (Considered confidential and may be made available only with the consent of the TA recipient)
  - Inside IMF: Available2.
  - Executive Director for the country of the TA recipient: Available3.
  - Other Executive Directors and members of their staff: Available with the consent of the TA recipient obtained on a 60-day non-objection basis3 7.
  - Outside IMF:
    - Final TA advice provided to Members: Available3 4 under the IMF-World Bank Concordat (unless TA recipient objects after being consulted).
    - Final TA advice provided to Non-members and international agencies: Available4 with the explicit consent of the TA recipient.
    - Available34 with the consent of the TA recipient obtained on a 60-day non-objection basis7 if “legitimate interest”8 and the understanding that the information should be kept confidential9.

- Additional procedural points:
  - Ex ante irrevocable consent: In some externally financed TA cases, management may approve donor financing only if the TA recipient provides ex ante irrevocable consent to share all TA reports from that project with relevant donor(s).
  - IMF staff should proactively encourage TA recipients to explicitly consent3 to publication on the recipient’s website and/or on the IMF’s external websites, pending approval by the authoring TA department. Publication subject to special policy on deletions and corrections prior to publication.

*Source: Section IV (and related implementation excerpts) of STAFF OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES ON THE DISSEMINATION OF TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE INFORMATION.*

### EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

### _061013 - EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

### Introduction and purpose
- Management delegated to Heads of Departments approval of circulation of final technical assistance (TA) advice to the Executive Board; revisions also clarify procedural details.
- Objective: wider dissemination of TA Information to improve coordination with donors and TA providers, exploit synergies, prioritize and leverage limited TA resources, strengthen ownership in TA recipient countries, and promote public understanding of best practices and IMF TA experience.
- The guidelines place potential TA recipients on notice that, by requesting IMF TA, they will be deemed to have consented to dissemination of certain TA information unless they explicitly object (paragraphs referenced: ¶5, ¶15, ¶24).

### Temporal scope
- The procedures apply only to TA information concerning TA projects approved on or after the effective date of May 1, 2009 (see paragraph 4).

### Substantive scope — categories of TA Information covered (¶5)
- (a) The fact of the provision of TA and the subject matter of TA.
- (b) Information on the administration of TA projects (examples: project framework, monitoring and evaluation, budget figures, funding source, timing of missions).
- (c) Information received or generated by IMF staff that forms the basis of IMF TA advice, including drafts prepared before final TA advice is provided.
- (d) Final TA advice: output of TA once in final form delivered by IMF staff to the TA recipient (examples: TA reports, finalized draft legislation, final aide-mémoires, e-mails, or oral advice).

### Intended recipients of TA Information (non-exhaustive list) (¶5)
- (a) The TA recipient and other agencies or instrumentalities within the member country, non-member or international agency to which IMF TA is provided.
- (b) Executive Directors and members of their staff.
- (c) Donors and other TA providers (definition: official bilateral or multilateral public-sector agencies/instrumentalities providing grants or concessional financing for TA; includes parties on Steering Committees for regional technical assistance centers or topical trust funds).
- (d) IMF staff.
- (e) The general public.

### Exclusions — TA-related information not covered by these guidelines (¶6–7)
- FSAP Reports: not covered because governed by a separate regime reflecting IMF–World Bank understandings (see Confidentiality Protocol referenced).
- ROSCs: not covered because dissemination is governed by the Transparency Policy Decision.
- Safeguards Assessment Reports: not covered; subject to safeguards assessment disclosure regime.
- Information governed by Board-established transmittal and open archives policies:
  - Transmittal Policy: routine transmittal of certain reports to specified international agencies (rarely used for TA reports).
  - Open Archives Policy: TA reports over 20 years old may be available upon request, except reports originally classified “Strictly Confidential” when the Managing Director finds they remain highly confidential or sensitive.

### Procedures for dissemination — broad principles
- Fact of TA provision and subject matter (¶8):
  - Not considered confidential unless TA recipient specifically indicates otherwise at time of request.
  - Ordinarily made available to Executive Directors in staff reports; may be made available to TA providers, donors, and the general public upon request.
  - TA recipient’s explicit request to withhold such information will be respected.
- Information on administration of TA projects (¶9):
  - Not considered confidential unless TA recipient specifies otherwise at time of request.
  - May be shared with Executive Directors and their staff upon request; results of TA evaluations continue to be reported annually to Executive Directors under the TA Evaluation Program.
  - Readily available to other TA providers and donors upon request; may be made available to the general public.
  - IMF staff will not disclose third-party confidential information (e.g., terms of employment of a TA expert).
- Information forming the basis of TA advice (¶10):
  - Includes: (a) information provided by TA recipient or third parties in the context of TA; (b) information generated by IMF staff during TA before advice is finalized.
  - Presumed confidential and generally not published.
  - Dissemination beyond IMF staff, management and the TA recipient requires consent:
    - Consent by the head of the authoring TA department in consultation with the relevant area department.
    - Explicit consent of the TA recipient is required.
    - If information was received from a third party, explicit consent of that third party is also required.
  - Considerations in deciding dissemination consent:
    - Likelihood that sharing could undermine IMF’s ability to obtain necessary data and information from country authorities and third parties.
    - Impact on the candor of discussions during TA project execution (exchanges with country authorities and third parties or internal staff deliberations).
- Final TA advice (¶11):
  - Considered confidential; dissemination requires consent of the TA recipient.
  - Forms: (i) TA reports, (ii) other documents containing finalized IMF staff advice (e.g., draft legislation, final aide-mémoires), (iii) final advice conveyed by e-mail or orally.
  - TA recipients may withdraw consent to disseminate at any time prior to actual dissemination, except where ex-ante irrevocable consent may be required for externally-financed TA (see paragraph 15 for such cases).
  - All TA reports shall include a disclaimer summarizing the IMF’s policy for dissemination of this type of information according to the guidelines (see Appendix B).

### Specific procedural notes
- Dissemination within the IMF:
  - Fact/administration information and certain other categories may be included in staff reports to Executive Directors and provided to Directors’ offices upon request (referenced in ¶8–¶9).
  - Heads of authoring TA departments have delegated authority to consent to dissemination of information forming the basis of TA advice and, per management decision, approval of circulation of final technical assistance advice to the Executive Board (as noted in the Executive Summary introduction).
- Dissemination outside the IMF:
  - World Bank staff, donors and other TA providers may request access to certain categories of TA Information; access to information forming the basis of TA advice requires explicit consent of the TA recipient and, where relevant, third-party consent; information on administration and the fact/subject matter of TA is generally available unless withheld by TA recipient.
- Implementation and notification:
  - The guidelines will be published and notified to members and potential TA recipients to provide notice of presumed consent rules and the ability to object.
  - Except for cases requiring ex-ante irrevocable consent for externally-financed TA, consent to disseminate may be withdrawn by the TA recipient or a third party that provided confidential information any time prior to actual dissemination.

*Staff Operational Guidelines on the Dissemination of Technical Assistance Information — Executive Summary*

### Section IV below.

### IV. SPECIFIC PROCEDURES FOR DISSEMINATION OF FINAL TA ADVICE

### A. Dissemination of Final TA Advice within the IMF
- Distinction between “TA reports” and “other types of final TA advice” for operational handling.
- Dissemination of final TA advice to IMF staff:
  - TA reports:
    - Authoring TA departments must forward all finalized TA reports, except those classified as “STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL” and FSAP reports, to the Institutional Repository.
    - TA reports classified “FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY” are accessible to all staff.
    - TA reports classified “CONFIDENTIAL” are accessible to a smaller group of staff, determined by IMF internal policies regarding classified documents (access on a need to know basis). The authoring TA department decides need to know on a case-by-case basis, taking into account express or implied understandings with the TA recipient and surrounding circumstances.
    - TA reports classified as “CONFIDENTIAL” are reclassified automatically “FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY” after two years, unless sensitivity remains according to the authoring TA department or relevant area department.
  - Other types of final TA advice:
    - May be disseminated to IMF staff in accordance with the document’s classification and IMF internal policies regarding classified documents.
- Dissemination of final TA advice to Executive Directors and their staff:
  - TA reports:
    - General practice: make TA reports available to the Executive Director for the country of the TA recipient unless the TA recipient specifically requests otherwise.
    - For other Executive Directors and their staff, access requires the consent of the TA recipient. Consent is deemed obtained unless the TA recipient objects within 60 days of transmittal of the TA report. The transmittal letter or other transmittal document must expressly refer to this 60-day period.
  - Other types of final TA advice:
    - May be shared with the Executive Director for the country of the TA recipient unless the TA recipient specifically requests otherwise.
    - For other Executive Directors and their staff, access may be obtained upon request provided the TA recipient does not specifically object within 60 days from the date IMF staff requests consent.
- Notes on “STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL” TA reports:
  - Dissemination follows IMF internal policies regarding classified documents (General Administrative Order No. 35, Rev. 2) and the IMF’s Open Archives Policy for sharing outside the IMF.
  - Access limited to addressees meeting the “strict need to know criterion”.
  - Outside the IMF, persons may request access to “STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL” documents if the documents are over 20 years old and with the Managing Director’s consent to declassification. The Managing Director has delegated declassification authority under the Open Archives Policy to heads of departments.
  - The Managing Director, with the consent of the TA recipient, may approve sharing “STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL” TA reports outside the IMF prior to the 20-year period if confidentiality understandings are reached.

### B. Dissemination of Final TA Advice, Including TA Reports, Outside the IMF
- Dissemination within the direct recipient organization:
  - Duty of confidentiality is owed to the TA recipient, defined as the direct recipient (the specific agency or instrumentality to whom the TA is directed).
  - Final TA advice should be addressed to the head of that agency or instrumentality.
  - IMF encourages the direct TA recipient to share information with other agencies/instrumentalities; IMF staff may also share with those entities with the direct TA recipient’s consent obtained on a non-objection basis. Consent is deemed given if no objection is raised within 60 days.
- Dissemination to donors and TA providers (other than the World Bank):
  - With the consent of the TA recipient, final TA advice may be shared with donors and other TA providers with legitimate interest, upon request. Consent is on a no-objection basis: deemed given if TA recipient does not object within 60 days from the TA report’s transmittal letter.
  - Authoring TA department, in consultation with the relevant area department, must determine that the donor or TA provider has a legitimate interest (examples: (a) a donor financing a TA project producing the report; (b) a donor or TA provider engaging in related activities in the recipient country in the subject matter of the IMF’s TA advice).
  - Dissemination to donors/TA providers requires an understanding that the information shall be kept confidential.
  - Some donors require as a funding condition that TA reports be shared with them; IMF management may approve such requests only if the TA recipient provides ex ante irrevocable consent to share all TA reports from that project with the applicable donor(s). In ex ante irrevocable consent cases, the TA recipient cannot withdraw consent once TA provision has begun.
- Dissemination to World Bank staff:
  - For TA provided to IMF members:
    - Under the Concordat on IMF-World Bank collaboration, IMF staff may share final TA advice, including TA reports, with World Bank staff upon request without explicit consent of the TA recipient; IMF members are presumed to have implicitly consented by requesting IMF TA in full knowledge of these rules.
    - Authoring TA departments retain discretion whether any particular TA report should be shared with World Bank staff and may consult the TA recipient; if the TA recipient objects, IMF staff should respect those wishes.
    - Sharing is guided by the Joint Management Action Plan (JMAP) for Enhancing IMF-World Bank Collaboration.
    - Confidentiality expectations: information classified as “CONFIDENTIAL” should be made available within the World Bank only to those with a “need to know”; “STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL” only to those with a “strict need to know”; World Bank staff shall not disclose classified information beyond the World Bank.
  - For TA provided to non-members and international agencies:
    - No existing understanding permits sharing with World Bank staff; explicit consent of the TA recipient is required before any disclosure.
- Dissemination to the general public (publication):
  - All types of final TA advice may be published; IMF encourages publication of TA reports and encourages TA recipients to publish reports on their own websites.
  - Publication by the IMF requires explicit consent of the TA recipient and approval of the head of the authoring TA department, in consultation with the relevant area department. The TA recipient may withdraw consent at any time prior to publication.
  - Publication by the TA recipient on its own website or otherwise requires approval of the head of the authoring TA department in consultation with the relevant area department.
  - Prior to publication by the IMF or the TA recipient, the TA report or other final TA advice should be circulated to the Executive Board for information in the form to be published (after deletions or corrections).
  - Prior to publication, sensitive information may be removed; factual corrections and corrections to ensure accurate characterization of views may be introduced.
    - Deletions:
      - TA recipient may propose deletions prior to publication provided material is not already public and qualifies as: (i) highly-market sensitive information; or (ii) policy intentions whose premature disclosure would seriously undermine implementation.
      - Authoring TA department staff will provide other relevant departments, including the area department, the opportunity to review and comment on proposed deletions.
      - Management will decide on proposed deletions after interdepartmental review, considering criteria and other factors.
      - Before publication, the following shall be removed: (i) references to unpublished IMF documents, (ii) certain internal processes not disclosed under existing policies (including inquiries regarding possible misreporting and breaches of members’ obligations), and (iii) discussions of a breach of obligation under Article VIII, Section 5 or misreporting that the Managing Director has proposed to be treated as de minimis in nature.
    - Corrections:
      - Corrections may be proposed to resolve: (i) data or typographical errors; (ii) factual mistakes; and (iii) mischaracterization of views by the TA recipient or IMF staff arising in the internal review process.
      - Authoring TA department staff will provide other relevant departments, including the area department, the opportunity to review and comment on proposed corrections.
      - Management will decide on proposed corrections following interdepartmental review.
    - Management’s objection to publication:
      - Management may withhold consent to publication to maintain the intellectual integrity of IMF TA advice and preserve the substantive thrust of recommendations if it disagrees with deletions or corrections proposed by the TA recipient.

### V. IMPLEMENTATION OF THE GUIDELINES (selected operational points)
- Under IMF internal policies regarding classified documents, management has generally delegated decisions on dissemination of information to heads of departments. TA-providing departments are responsible for implementing the specified procedures unless otherwise indicated.
- Legal/practical principle: IMF management and staff may not disclose information provided in confidence by a member or other party unless that party consents. Determination of whether information was provided in confidence is based on examination of surrounding circumstances, including the nature of the information and whether there was an express or implied understanding that the information would not be disclosed without the other party’s consent.

*Source: Section IV (and related implementation excerpts) of STAFF OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES ON THE DISSEMINATION OF TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE INFORMATION.*

### 20.      Departments should consult ICD and LEG whenever issues concerning the

### 20.      Departments should consult ICD and LEG whenever issues concerning the implementation of these guidelines are unclear.

### B. Reference to Guidelines Upon Requests for TA
- Staff should highlight the guidelines to potential TA recipients when discussing the possibility of TA.
- Upon receiving a request for TA, staff should ensure TA recipients are made aware of the existence and general content of these guidelines.
- In responding affirmatively to a request for IMF TA, staff may:
  - attach a copy of the guidelines; or
  - include a link to the IMF’s external website in the response, underscoring that in certain cases, final TA advice may be shared within and outside the IMF on a non-objection basis in accordance with the procedures set forth in these guidelines.
- Special note: This is particularly important when the request for IMF TA comes from a non-member or an international agency that may not be appraised of the guidelines in the same way as member countries.
- Further reminders of the guidelines should be provided:
  - at the start and end of TA missions; and
  - in documents transmitting final TA advice.
- Example link provided in the model transmittal letter: http://www.imf.org/external/np/pp/eng/2013/061013.pdf

### C. Categorization of TA Information and Recipients of TA Information
- Upon receiving a request to disseminate particular TA information, staff should:
  - categorize the requested TA information according to the categories of TA information listed in paragraph 5.
  - consult ICD and LEG when particular TA information is difficult to fit within any of the listed categories or when lack of clarity exists.
- External requests for TA dissemination may come from:
  - academics and researchers;
  - nongovernmental organizations;
  - private sector entities providing technical assistance;
  - various entities in civil society.
- If staff are unsure how to handle such requests, they should consult ICD and LEG.

### D. Coming into Force of Guidelines
- These guidelines became effective on May 1, 200924.
- Measures taken to bring the guidelines to the notice of potential TA recipients:
  - A communication was sent to all IMF members notifying them of these guidelines and attaching a copy of the guidelines. A similar notice was sent to the World Bank and other international organizations and agencies with which IMF documents are shared under the IMF’s Transmittal Policy.
  - The guidelines are posted on the IMF’s external website following their circulation to the Executive Board for its information.
  - In discussing possible TA requests, departments should inform the member, non-member or international agency requesting IMF TA of the dissemination procedures.
- Footnote 24: The guidelines have been updated to reflect management’s decision to delegate to Heads of Departments approval of circulation of final technical assistance advice to the Executive Board. The revisions also clarify a few procedural details.

### Appendix A: Model Transmittal Letter (key procedural points)
- Transmittal letter model elements:
  - Enclose [#] copies (also available electronically) of the final TA report entitled [Title of the TA report].
  - Identify the authoring TA department, date of mission, mission chief, and confirmation that recommendations were discussed with the recipient.
- Disclosure policy text in the model letter:
  - If the TA recipient does not expressly object within 60 days of the transmittal letter, the recipient will be deemed to have consented to sharing the enclosed TA report with IMF Executive Directors and members of their staff, and, upon their request, with donors and other TA providers with legitimate interest.
- Publication encouragement:
  - IMF encourages publication of TA reports; explicit consent from the TA recipient is required to publish the TA report on the IMF website.
  - The recipient may publish through its own outlets with IMF approval.
- Signature authority:
  - For RTAC-prepared TA reports, transmittal letter should be signed and sent by the RTAC Coordinator.
  - For HQ missions, the transmittal letter should be sent by the TA department and signed by the director or an authorized staff member.
- Enclosure notation and cc: Executive Director.

### Appendix B: Model Disclaimer (required wording)
- Required disclaimer to be included in all IMF TA reports (verbatim structure provided):
  - “The contents of this report constitute technical advice provided by the staff of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to the authorities of a[ member country][non-member][international agency] (the "TA recipient") in response to their request for technical assistance. This report (in whole or in part) or summaries thereof may be disclosed by the IMF to IMF Executive Directors and members of their staff, as well as to other agencies or instrumentalities of the TA recipient, and upon their request, to World Bank staff, and other technical assistance providers and donors with legitimate interest [if applicable only] members of the Steering Committee of [name of RTAC of TTF], unless the TA recipient specifically objects to such disclosure (see Operational Guidelines for the Dissemination of Technical Assistance Information—[add hyperlink]). Publication or Disclosure of this report (in whole or in part) or summaries thereof to parties outside the IMF other than agencies or instrumentalities of the TA recipient, World Bank staff, other technical assistance providers and donors with legitimate interest [if applicable only] members of the Steering Committee of [name of RTAC of TTF] shall require the explicit consent of the TA recipient and the IMF’s [authoring] Department.”
- Staff may use this disclaimer when disseminating other types of final TA advice if circumstances require.

### Appendix C: Donor and TA Provider Confidentiality Communications
- A. Model Institutional Communication on Confidentiality (to donors and TA providers other than the World Bank):
  - Requests recipients to confirm they will treat any TA information received as confidential and solely for internal use.
  - Information shall not be disclosed outside the recipient organization unless express authorization by the IMF and the TA recipient is granted.
  - Understandings become effective when the letter is duly signed and returned to the IMF.
- B. Confirmation of Understandings on Confidentiality:
  - Model language confirming that requested documents will be treated as confidential and solely for internal use, and will not be disclosed outside the recipient organization without express authorization.

### Categorization Table (summary of dissemination rules and categories)
- Categories and dissemination summary (preserving original characterizations):
  - The Fact of and Subject-Matter of TA (Not considered confidential, unless TA recipient requests otherwise)
    - Inside IMF: Available2; Available in staff reports; Available to Executive Directors.
    - Outside IMF: Ordinarily available34; May be made publicly available.
  - Information Related to the Administration of TA (Not considered confidential, unless TA recipient requests otherwise)
    - Inside IMF: Available2; Results of TA evaluations available annually under the IMF’s TA Evaluation Program.
    - Outside IMF: Available; Ordinarily available34; May be made publicly available.
  - Information Forming the Basis of TA Advice (Considered confidential and generally not made available beyond IMF staff)
    - Inside IMF: Available2; Not made available to Executive Directors.
    - Outside IMF: Available except for confidential information internally generated by IMF staff or provided by third parties (available if third party consents). For coordination and synergies, may be made available4 with (i) the prior consent of the TA recipient (and the prior consent of a third party if the latter provided information on a confidential basis) and (ii) the approval of TA authoring department3 6. Generally not made publicly available.
  - Final TA Advice (Considered confidential and may be made available only with the consent of the TA recipient)
    - Inside IMF: Available2.
    - Executive Director for the country of the TA recipient: Available3.
    - Other Executive Directors and members of their staff: Available with the consent of the TA recipient obtained on a 60-day non-objection basis3 7.
    - Outside IMF:
      - Final TA advice provided to Members: Available3 4 under the IMF-World Bank Concordat (unless TA recipient objects after being consulted).
      - Final TA advice provided to Non-members and international agencies: Available4 with the explicit consent of the TA recipient.
      - Available34 with the consent of the TA recipient obtained on a 60-day non-objection basis7 if “legitimate interest”8 and the understanding that the information should be kept confidential9.
- Additional procedural points:
  - Ex ante irrevocable consent: In some externally financed TA cases, management may approve donor financing only if the TA recipient provides ex ante irrevocable consent to share all TA reports from that project with relevant donor(s).
  - IMF staff should proactively encourage TA recipients to explicitly consent3 to publication on the recipient’s website and/or on the IMF’s external websites, pending approval by the authoring TA department. Publication subject to special policy on deletions and corrections prior to publication.
- Footnotes and terms preserved as in source:
  - 1 The term “donor” includes members of a Steering Committee, such as for regional technical assistance centers or topical trust funds funded through multi-donor accounts. The term “other TA provider” means any official bilateral or multilateral agency or instrumentality of the public sector that provides TA.
  - 2 Under IMF internal policies regarding classified documents (General Administrative Order No. 35, Rev. 2).
  - 3 Unless the TA recipient specifically indicates otherwise or withdraws its consent any time prior to dissemination (except for the cases when ex-ante irrevocable consent was granted).
  - 4 Upon request made orally, in writing, or by electronic means, i.e. a click on a secured website.
  - 5 Including but not limited to details regarding the project framework, monitoring and evaluation, budget figures, funding source, terms of reference and timing of missions. In this category, IMF staff would not disclose information about third parties that they would normally regard as confidential (e.g., information on the terms of employment of TA expert).
  - 6 In consultation with the relevant area department.
  - 7 Which should not prevent the TA recipient from giving its explicit consent to disseminate before the end of the 60-day period, when there is a need to speed the process of sharing the TA report.
  - 8 As determined by the authoring TA department, in consultation with the relevant area department. This includes donors financing the project or engaging in related activities with the recipient.
  - 9 See Appendix C for a model communication containing the standard language to be used. Alternatively such language could be inserted on a case-by-case basis into a contribution agreement signed with a donor.

*Staff Operational Guidelines on the Dissemination of Technical Assistance Information (excerpt).*

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_Source: https://www.imf.org/-/media/websites/imf/imported-full-text-pdf/external/np/pp/eng/2013/_061013.pdf_