Development Committee Closing Press Conference

Abstract

Jim Yong Kim (President of the World Bank Group), Christine Lagarde (Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund), and Marek Belka (Chairman of the Development Committee) made opening statements. Belka emphasized that the twin goals of ending extreme poverty and promoting shared prosperity must be pursued in a sustainable manner. Over the past six months, we have witnessed intensive consultations and analysis designed to put the flesh on the bones--to work out a detailed strategy by which the Bank Group will set out to translate the goals into operational programs with its borrowing member countries. Kim highlighted one major shift in the strategy—leveraging IDA to increase investment in fragile states. Lagarde focused on growth in Sub-Saharan Africa, including increased technical assistance. Replenishment of the Poverty Reduction and Growth Trust fund has passed the 90 percent threshold. Media raised questions on emerging markets, the Mexican economy, global growth, tapering, unconventional monetary policy, U.S. growth.