The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors has approved a $9 million credit for the Second Public Sector Modernization Project (PSMP II) for Armenia. The project will assist Armenian efforts to improve the quality of public services by introducing a performance-based pay system and a code of conduct for civil servants, and by enhancing public access to all available government information. "Strengthening governance through improved public service delivery is among the priorities for Bank support," said Asad Alam, World Bank Regional Director for the South Caucasus. "While some improvements have been made in the area of governance and anti-corruption, important challenges remain." In the context of the global economic crisis, public administration reform has grown even more important. Guaranteeing that public service provisions do not suffer at a time of tighter fiscal constraints requires focused efforts to strengthen performance management. "To improve public service delivery, enhancing technology is not enough by itself. The most crucial and difficult part is changing behavior and organizational culture," added Kathy Lalazarian, who heads the World Bank team designing the project. "It’s important to have efficient public services throughout the recovery because – more than ever – families are counting on the services the government provides."