WB President Kim arrives in Dhaka tomorrow

World Bank Group President Jim Yong Kim is scheduled to arrive in Dhaka tomorrow to see firsthand the progress Bangladesh has made in transitioning to a lower-middle income country, despite daunting development challenges.


 During the two-day visit, Kim will join a public event to mark End Poverty Day to celebrate Bangladesh’s achievements in lifting more than 20 million people out of poverty in less than two decades, said a press release today.

It said the country achieved success with its strong economic performance, innovative work with the poor, job creation by the private sector, consistent investment in human development, and effective disaster management.

“Bangladesh has had remarkable success in cutting the number of people living in poverty by almost half and its innovations are well known – many countries have learned from them,” said Kim.

“I am eager to hear how the World Bank Group can work with Bangladesh to promote private sector investment by strengthening governance and improving the investment climate. There is also much to do by increasing investment in infrastructure, human development, and climate change.”

 
During his visit, Kim will meet Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Finance Minister Abul Maal Abdul Muhith, along with other senior government officials, for broad ranging discussions on the country’s development progress and explore opportunities to deepen the World Bank’s engagement.

He will also meet with civil society representatives and private sector leaders. He will visit several World Bank-supported projects.