Between July 9 and July 11, World Bank Vice President for East Asia and Pacific Victoria Kwakwa had a threeday visit to Myanmar. The purpose of that visit is to discuss the program to promote peace, social inclusion and economic transformation across the States and Regions of Myanmar and also to support the government in implementing an MOU with the UN and recommendations by the Annan Commission Report on Rakhine State. Between July 1 and July 2, World Bank Group President Jim Yong Kim, along with the United Nations Secretary General António Guterres, had visited refugee camps in Cox’s Bazaar, in Bangladesh as well. In fact, the World Bank had announced close to half-abillion dollars in grant-based support to help Bangladesh address the needs of displaced refugees in areas such as health, education, water and sanitation, disaster risk management, and social protection.
During World Bank Vice President for East Asia and Pacific’s visit, Vice President Kwakwa met with a range of senior Government officials, diplomats, development partners and other stakeholders in Nay Pyi Taw and Yangon.
In meeting with State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi on July 11 at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Nay Pyi Taw, the World Vice President Kwakwa praised the Government on the preparation of the Myanmar Sustainable Development Plan which emphasizes the inclusion of a pillar on Peace and Stability.
Discussion also centered on the priorities for the financial support for the next two years and how to use it to get peace and stability in all States and Regions, especially in Rakhine State for “social inclusion”. If these areas are made safe, for resettlement, it will create opportunities for micro and small enterprises and encourage repatriation of refugees. World Bank President and State Counselor discuss the importance of peace and stability in shaping the future of Myanmar in her sustainable development.
