The World Bank’s new Country Director for Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka, Faris Hadad-Zervos, completed his first visit to Maldives last week.
According to the World Bank, the purpose of Hadad-Zervos’ visit was to experience firsthand the country’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and recovery efforts, as well as the progress and results of the World Bank-supported projects in the archipelago.
“Maldives story has always been one of resilience. Time and again, we have seen the Maldives confront its vulnerabilities and external shocks, only to emerge stronger,” the Country Director said.
“My visit reaffirms the World Bank’s commitment to help alleviate the health and economic impacts of COVID-19, create jobs, and foster inclusive and sustainable growth in the Maldives. We look forward to working with the government, other development partners, the private sector and civil society towards this common goal”, he added.
On their week-long visit to the Maldives, the new World Bank country management team paid courtesy calls on President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, Speaker of Parliament Mohamed Nasheed, Governor of Central Bank Ali Hashim, Minister of Finance Ibrahim Ameer, Minister of Economic Development Fayyaz Ismail, Minister of National Planning, Housing and Infrastructure Mohamed Aslam, Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid, Minister of Environment Dr. Hussain Rasheed Hassan, Minister of Health Ahmed Naseem, Minister of Fisheries, Marine Resources and Agriculture Zaha Waheed, and Minister of Higher Education Dr Ibrahim Hassan.
During the introductory meetings with His the President, Speaker of Parliament and Governor of Central Bank, the Country Director and Country Manager discussed the macro-fiscal environment and the impact of COVID-19 on the country’s economy.
They also conveyed the World Bank’s readiness to support the Maldives inbuilding back better for inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
From the cabinet ministers, the Country Director and Country Manager enquired about the progress of the World Bank-funded projects and reassured continued support to the Maldives in achieving its development goals.
These introductory meetings were also an opportunity for the World Bank delegation to get guidance from the respective ministers on further engagement, the bank said.
In Male’, the Country Director and Country Manager also engaged in a dialogue with bilateral and multilateral development partners. They also gathered views from keycivil society stakeholders on development opportunities and key constraints facing the Maldives.
“From our visit, we have learned not only the challenges facing the Maldives, but also the opportunities for sustainable recovery and building resilience,” said the World Bank Country Manager for Maldives and Sri Lanka, Chiyo Kanda, who accompanied Hadad-Zervos on the visit.
“As a trusted development partner of 42 years, the World Bank will leverage its resources and knowledge to help the Maldives pursue an inclusive and resilient growth path in the post-COVID-19 era”, she added.
Based in Kathmandu, Nepal, this was the Country Director’s first visit to the Maldives in his new role.
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