China is starting to play a bigger role in the World Bank and can be an important partner in helping development in places such as Africa as it becomes an aid giver instead of an aid recipient, the Bank’s President said Tuesday.
Robert Zoellick said he welcomed the news that China, which once received grants from the World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA), is now a contributor to it.
MERE BRUG FOR VIDEN END FOR PENGE
China is in need of overseas expertise, rather than financial aid, in order to solve a number of problems ranging from environmental protection to education reform, said Zoellick.
Zoellick said that he has been involved in discussions with senior Chinese government officials on issues like the reform of the health, education and pension systems, on energy efficiency and environmental protection, and on the growing urban-rural gap.
Zoellick said that around 75 percent of the World Bank’s projects in China since 2005 have involved environmental protection, and the World Bank is currently involved in drawing up a ‘low-carbon growth study’ with China’s regulator, the National Development and Reform Commission.
SAMARBEJDE I AFRIKA
The World Bank is planning joint projects in Africa with China’s Export-Import Bank.
Zoellick, wrapping up a four-day trip to China, said the pros and cons of the country’s push into Africa had been an important topic during his talks with senior officials including Ex-Im Bank Governor Li Ruogu.
Chinese investors were building infrastructure and generating revenues for poor countries. But tapping Africa’s natural resources also highlighted the need to ensure transparency and avoid corruption, Zoellick told a news conference.
Kilde: www.worldbank.org
