World Bank Ready to Strengthen Cooperation with Tunisia
The World Bank is willing to strengthen its cooperation with Tunisia and support the country's efforts to implement its own vision for social and economic reforms, said Ousmane Dione, Vice President of the World Bank for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).
This was announced during a meeting held on Tuesday at the Government Palace in Kasbah, between the Head of Government, Kamel Maddouri, and a World Bank delegation, in the presence of several ministers.
Dione took the opportunity to express his wish to explore available opportunities to expand and diversify areas of cooperation with Tunisia, including investment in infrastructure and strengthening the financing capacities of small and medium-sized enterprises, while ensuring decent working conditions.
He also promised to support Tunisia in modernizing public health services, water supply, and other priority public services.
According to a statement from the Government Presidency, the meeting also reviewed the challenges and opportunities, particularly in terms of ecological transition, energy security, and renewable energy.
The meeting was also an opportunity to discuss the development prospects of the water system and vital public facilities such as transportation, health, education, and youth employment.
The Head of Government took the opportunity to present the foundations and key principles of the development approach advocated by the Head of State.
In this context, he emphasized that the President's vision is based on the development of citizen-centered economic policies and the social role of the State.
Maddouri added that this approach aims to ultimately consecrate the values of social justice, decent work, comprehensive social coverage, and quality public services.
He cited the institution of social protection for agricultural workers and the establishment of an unemployment insurance system for economic layoffs.
The Head of Government recalled the provisions of Article 17 of the Constitution, which stipulates that the State works to ensure the coexistence between the public and private sectors, to ensure their complementarity based on social justice, and strives to offer a stimulating and transparent business climate, allowing for the building of a solid national economy.
He also recalled that Tunisia's economic choices and orientations are set in accordance with the President's vision and the constants of national sovereignty.
Earlier in the day, the President of the Republic, Kais Saïed, had received the World Bank Vice President, who reaffirmed the institution's willingness to promote cooperation with Tunisia "in line with its objectives".
He also discussed with the Head of State issues related to the social pact and mechanisms to improve the socio-economic situation of Tunisians.
