While the World Bank is committed to supporting Egypt's economic reform programme, it believes more time is needed for everyone to benefit from it, writes Mona El-Fiqi "So far, the results of economic reform in Egypt offer a platform to ensure improved living standards for all segments of the population," stated World Bank Managing Director Juan Jose Daboub on 1 March. Daboub was speaking at a news conference during a three-day visit to Egypt, where he listened to Egyptian views on how the bank can further assist ongoing reforms. According to Daboub, economic reform needs more time to be felt by citizens, and the next generation will certainly feel the trickle down effect of reform. In Cairo, he met with senior government officials including Prime Minister Ahmed Nazif and members of his cabinet, as well as representatives of the private sector and civil society. "We are working closely with representatives from the government, private sector and civil society to leverage resources and experiences from other parts of the world on ways this goal may be achieved," noted Daboub. The World Bank official added that although Egypt's economic and social reform seems to be very promising, some internal and external challenges remain. According to Daboub, the government needs to deal with internal challenges, while external issues need the involvement of regional and global institutions such as the World Bank group. Over the past three years, the World Bank programme in Egypt has expanded and currently finances technical assistance and projects in the sectors of education, health, financial infrastructure, rural development and environment. Daboub said that his institution will continue to provide assistance to human resources with the aim of upgrading labour qualifications in line with market needs. Daboub also met with the Arab League to discuss enhancing the bank's engagement with the Arab world. This follows World Bank President Robert Zoellick's announcement in late 2007 that working with the Arab region is among the bank's strategic priorities. "The reinvigorated engagement of the World Bank with the Arab world follows from our recognition of the critical role that Arabs play on the international development scene," explained Daboub. "At the same time, [it is] from our recognition that the Arab world is seeking to address a range of development challenges to accelerate progress on economic and social fronts." In fact, Daboub's stop in Egypt is followed by visits to Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Oman ,Qatar, Syria, Yemen and the United Arab of Emirates. He noted that the World Bank is launching consultations with representatives of governments, the private sector and civil society across the Arab world to define priorities and areas where the bank can become more effective.
