Contacts: In Washington: Alejandra Viveros (202) 473-4306 Aviveros@worldbank.org In Brasilia: Mauro Azeredo (55-61) 329-1059 Mazeredo@worldbank.org
WASHINGTON, December 13, 2005 - World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz is traveling to Brazil Dec. 15-20 in his first official visit to Latin America, where he will see first-hand how a country can achieve economic stability while making progress on the social front. “This is my first visit to Latin America as President of the World Bank and my first visit to Brazil,” said Wolfowitz. “Traveling through this economic giant, which has become a global and regional actor, will help me understand the richness and diversity of Latin America.” During his six-day visit, beginning December 15, Wolfowitz will meet in Brasilia with President Luiz Inacio “Lula” da Silva, and Finance Minister Antonio Palocci to hear about the steps the Government has taken to maintain economic stability and growth, while focusing on social issues. He will also visit communities in the state of Ceara in Brazil’s North East, the poorest region in the country, where the Bank has been supporting several community-driven development initiatives. And in the Amazon area, Wolfowitz will go to various projects seeking a balance between environmental conservation and economic development. “I am very interested in observing the progress Brazil has made in promoting inclusive growth and reducing inequality,” said Wolfowitz. “As in all countries in Latin America, there is an urgent need to create equality of opportunities for the poor to improve their lives and increase their ability to contribute.” “I really want to underscore the World Bank’s commitment to Brazil and all other middle income countries in Latin America because a very large number of poor people live there,” he added. The World Bank President will also meet with civil society representatives, groups of women, indigenous peoples, youth leaders, local authorities, and beneficiaries of Bolsa Familia, one of the world’s largest programs of conditional cash transfers to the poor to encourage education and use of health services. In Sao Paulo, Wolfowitz will meet on Dec. 20 with business leaders, attend a special session of the Sao Paulo Forum on Climate Change, and visit a family health HIV-AIDS project. The World Bank has a program in Brazil of some 50 active projects for a total of US$ 4.2 billion and net commitments for $4.9 billion. In addition to lending, the Bank also provides analytical and advisory services by bringing in global lessons, knowledge and experience. - | 
RSS