Washington (EFE).- The new director of the World Bank (WB), the Indian-American Ajay Banga, will travel next week to Peru and Jamaica at the beginning of an international tour that will take him through various regions of the world, after assuming the charge on June 2.
According to a World Bank statement, in Peru and Jamaica he will have the opportunity to learn about the institution’s operations in these countries and will be accompanied by the president of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), Ilan Goldfajn.
“The two leaders will explore opportunities for greater collaboration and coordination to maximize our joint impact on the people,” the WB text indicates.
After visiting Peru and Jamaica, Banga will continue his tour, which will last until December, taking him to the Pacific islands, as well as other countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, the Middle East, Africa, Europe and Asia.
Manual
The WB explained that with this trip Banga will write “a new instruction manual” for his 78-year-old institution.
The person in charge will visit places where the WB operates to “reimagine strategic partnerships” with other multilateral banks and development organizations, will work to identify obstacles to private sector investment and deepen ties with nations, among others.
“The aspirations of people around the world are universal – people are happy to work and want a better life for their children and grandchildren. He wants work, he wants quality of life,” Banga said in the statement.
“However -he added-, there are a diversity of challenges and countries experience them in different ways. The World Bank Group must reach everyone, and we need a new how-to book to do it. That’s the path we’re on.”
Ajay Banga’s career
Banga took up the post on June 2, calling on World Bank staff to redouble efforts to address global challenges.
Before the bank’s chief executives confirmed his choice, Ajay Banga, 63, traveled several countries and had contacts with 96 governments.
He is endorsed by extensive experience in the private sector: he has been vice president of the General Atlantic fund and also served as executive president of Mastercard. He started his career at Nestlé India, where he spent 13 years.
Also in his native country, he helped launch Pepsico fast food franchises and led Citigroup Asia Pacific.
