WB president arrives in Dhaka today

Jim Yong Kim

World Bank President Jim Yong Kim will arrive in Dhaka today on a two-day visit to see firsthand the progress Bangladesh has made in its transition to a lower-middle income country.

Kim will take part in an event to mark End Poverty Day to celebrate Bangladesh's achievements in lifting over 20 million people out of poverty in less than two decades, the World Bank said in a statement yesterday.

“Bangladesh has had remarkable success in cutting the number of people living in poverty by almost half and its innovations are well known – many countries have learned from them,” Kim said. “I am eager to hear how the World Bank Group can work with Bangladesh to promote private sector investment by strengthening governance and improving the investment climate.”

There is also much to do by increasing investment in infrastructure, human development, and climate change, he said. During his visit, Kim will also meet with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Finance Minister AMA Muhith along with other senior government officials.

They will discuss the country's development progress and explore opportunities to deepen the World Bank's engagement, according to the statement.

He will also meet with civil society representatives and private sector leaders and visit several World Bank-supported projects.