Bucharest, 12 May 1997 (RFE/RL) - World Bank President James Wolfensohn is scheduled to hold talks with top officials in Bucharest today as he opens the first visit of a World Bank president to Romania in 20 years.
The World Bank mission in Bucharest says Wolfensohn is primarily interested in learning firsthand about Romania's progress in making the transition from a command-style Communist economy to a free-market system.
Our correspondent says the World Bank has several loan projects with Romania moving toward final approval. At a meeting in June, the bank's directors are expected to approve three new loans to Bucharest. These are a $250 million credit for agricultural rehabilitation, a $150 million loan for improving transportation and secondary roads, and a $50 million loan for social protection programs.
The World Bank mission in Bucharest says Wolfensohn is primarily interested in learning firsthand about Romania's progress in making the transition from a command-style Communist economy to a free-market system.
Our correspondent says the World Bank has several loan projects with Romania moving toward final approval. At a meeting in June, the bank's directors are expected to approve three new loans to Bucharest. These are a $250 million credit for agricultural rehabilitation, a $150 million loan for improving transportation and secondary roads, and a $50 million loan for social protection programs.