New WB Prez makes Asia-Pacific 1st official destination
26 Jul '07
3 min read
The APEC gathering offers Mr. Zoellick an opportunity to meet many Finance Ministers from across the Asia Pacific. In addition to outlining his ideas about the World Bank and seeking the perspectives of the Ministers, Mr. Zoellick will take part in the APEC discussions on promoting more inclusive globalization, climate change and energy security, development of capital markets, transparency in public financial management, and South-South cooperation.
“Ten years after the East Asian financial crisis, the region has become an important source of growth and dynamism,” he said. “I look forward to exchanging views with APEC partners on future challenges, which include meeting the dual goals of sustaining growth and overcoming poverty, while increasing energy efficiency and environmental protection in a region where demand is growing rapidly.”
While in Australia, Mr. Zoellick will also meet with Australian leaders to discuss the country's role as an important contributor to the World Bank, and its comprehensive development reforms. Mr. Zoellick will meet with Treasury and AusAID officials to identify opportunities for stronger cooperation, particularly in helping Pacific states address their unique development challenges.
“Vietnam is a great development story from which many other developing countries can learn,” Mr. Zoellick said. “I want to listen to our stakeholders and learn how the Government has used the money and development expertise provided through the International Development Association (IDA). It is one of the most powerful examples of how IDA works as a platform that supports the work of all donors and development partners.”
“Cambodia — which is at a different stage in its development — is emerging as a vibrant economy, having posted double-digit growth for the past three years.
But the challenges of building institutions and improving the governance environment are major ones, and I will be interested to learn more from the people behind the push for reform.”
Mr. Zoellick leaves for Australia on July 30 and returns to Washington on 9 August.
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