World Bank President arriving in Romania, reform progress on the agenda

The World Bank President Jim Yong Kim (in picture) will arrive tomorrow (May 9) for his first visit to Romania since the start of his mandate in July 2012. President Kim will meet Romania's PM Victor Ponta, as well as government leaders, political and civil society representatives, and business representatives “to discuss how the World Bank Group can best continue supporting Romania’s inclusive growth and shared prosperity.” According to the World Bank, “needed reforms in the European Union context” will be discussed during the two-day World Bank visit. A phalanx of World Bank officials will accompany Jim Yong Kim: Frank Heemskerk, Executive Director, Philippe Le Houérou, Europe and Central Asia Vice President, Mamta Murthi, Country Director, Elisabetta Capannelli, Country Manager, Thomasz Telma, International Finance Corporation Regional Director, Stefan Nanu, Alternate Executive Director, and Ana Maria Mihaescu, International Finance Corporation Chief Resident Representative. Romania is currently in the final stages of a joint IMF/EU/World Bank Standby Arrangement. The finalization of the deal was delayed until mid-2013 to allow Romania time to meet the demands for structural reforms and privatizations made by the IMF. editor@romania-insider.com photo source: worldbank.org