WB Managing Director concludes 3-day visit to West Bank/Delivery of economic and social services to Palestinian people – WB Press release

Washington, February 3, 2007 – Dr. Juan Jose Daboub, World Bank Managing Director, concluded a three day visit to the West Bank, as part of his first visit to the Middle Eastand North Africa Region since joining the Bank in June 2006.   His visit reinforces the World Bank Group’s role in supporting the delivery of economic and social services to the Palestinian people. 

“I have seen hardworking people searching for opportunities to improve their way of life,” said Dr. Daboub, who is of Palestinian descent.

Dr. Daboub’s program included meetings with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, where he signed three project agreements (press release attached) to support the delivery of basic services through NGOs, municipalities and communities.  The $25 million grant will also provide temporary job opportunities to unemployed Palestinians, and help sustain reliable mechanisms for delivery of emergency social services.

During his visit to the World Bank’s Solid Waste Management Project in Jenin, which when completed by the end of 2007 will serve over 200,000 Palestinians living in West Bank, Dr. Daboub praised the progress in project implementation and indicated that similar projects that bring together several municipalities, communities and private sector should be replicated elsewhere for scaled up benefits to the Palestinians.

Dr. Daboub also met with representatives of civil society to listen to some of their experiences and challenges that they face.   “The role of civil society organizations has been and continues to be critical in facilitating access to vulnerable communities.  Building the capacity of these organizations represents an important pillar of the Bank’s program to ensure sustainable results,” said Dr. Daboub. 

In his meeting with the members of the donor community, Dr. Daboub stressed the importance of coordinating efforts to ensure that development assistance is effectively targeting the most vulnerable communities affected by the current situation in West Bank.

Dr. Daboub’s meeting with representatives from the private sector focused on movement and access issues and the cost of doing business in the region. “Private sector is the main engine of growth and creator of sustainable jobs,” said Dr. Daboub.  “I am encouraged to find in West Bank a strong and enthusiastic private sector with a clear vision, despite the difficult circumstances. International Financial Corporation (IFC), the private sector window of the WBG, will continue to work with this dynamic group to explore investment opportunities and create an enabling environment for growth of businesses and new jobs,” he added.

Dr. Daboub indicated that the World Bank Group has been operating in West Bank and Gaza for the past 13 years, supporting the development efforts. “We are committed to continue walking with the Palestinian people on their path to prosperity,” he added as he concluded his three day visit to West Bank.

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For additional information on the World Bank’s program in West Bank and Gaza, please refer to the following website:  www.worldbank.org/ps.