World Bank president Robert Zoellick says he will visit Zambia to assess the flood situation in an effort to establish what kind of assistance the country needs to mitigate the impact of the calamity.
Mr Zoellick says his plans follows President Mwanawasa’s request for assistance towards mitigating the devastating effects of the floods.
The World Bank Head who also attended the official opening of the 10th AU Heads of State and Government Summit yesterday disclosed this to Zambia News and Information Services (ZANIS) here in the Ethiopian capital-Addis Ababa at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa Conference Centre.
This was shortly after he held private talks with President Mwanawasa today on Zambia’s economic development.
Zoellick who was flanked by the World Bank Vice President for Africa Obiageli Ezekwesili said when he leaves Ethiopia, he would travel to Zambia to assess the flood situation.
The World Bank Chief said he looked to Zambia as a good partner and pledged to help mobilise support in form of concessional loans to be given free towards the country’s economic development.
“Zambia has been disciplined in its fiscal management and its debt record has been good,” Mr Zoellick said, and underscored the need to support its economic reforms.
Mr Zoellick observed that Zambia was making good progress on its economy but noted that the only challenge the country was faced with was how to utilise resources to develop for the future.
The World Bank has been working closely with Zambia on the country’s economic programmes.
Meanwhile,
