A delegation from the World Bank (WB) began a three-day visit to Paraguay on Thursday, where it hopes to learn about the country’s recovery prospects in the post-pandemic stage and address issues such as climate change.
The delegation, made up of seven executive directors and alternates, met on this day with the country’s president, Mario Abdo Benítez, and his finance minister, Óscar Llamosas.
Speaking to journalists from the presidential residence, Llamosas stressed that Paraguay is the second country visited by the delegates of the international organization after the pandemic.
“The World Bank has been a partner, a key ally of our country for more than 70 years,” the official assured.
He stressed that this international organization has accompanied Paraguay in “several challenges” in terms of infrastructure, environment, as well as rural and urban development.
Llamosas described this visit as “very important”, which he highlighted as the first of its kind in the last 13 years.
As part of his “intense” agenda in the country, the head of the Treasury anticipated that the World Bank delegates will meet not only with public sector officials, but also with representatives of the private sector, civil society and analysts, among others.
In his turn, Matteo Bugamelli, executive director of the World Bank for Italy and who acted as spokesman for the delegation, highlighted the growth that the country had been registering before the pandemic.
“The World Bank is committed to accompanying and helping the country to overcome the complex challenges on the path to green, resilient and inclusive growth,” said Bugamelli, according to statements quoted in a statement released by the Presidency.
The World Bank’s portfolio in Paraguay amounts to 535 million dollars and includes projects in health, rural development, transportation and support for public policies to promote the private sector, details the communication.
For its part, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), which belongs to the World Bank, has a portfolio of 121 million dollars in the country. EFE
