Monday, December 11th, 2006

New World Bank EAP Vice President Jim Adams Visits TDLC

Stresses Importance of World Bank Partnership with Japanese Counterparts

The new World Bank East Asia Pacific (EAP) Regional Vice President, Mr. Jim Adams toured the TDLC on December 11, 2006, on his first visit to Japan since assuming his position. Mr. Adams arrived via China, the first leg of his trip, highlighting the significance of the 2 countries in the region.

During a 4-day visit, Mr. Adams met with Japanese senior officials from the Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as counterparts in development agencies including JBIC and JICA. He also had an opportunity to hold lively discussions with opinion leaders from NGOs, media, academia etc. Mr. Adams expressed his desire to listen and learn, reaffirming the importance of the World Bank’s partnerships in working to tackle regional challenges together.

At the TDLC, Mr. Adams shared his views on the region in a relaxed atmosphere with Bank and TDLC staff members, surprising the group with “quizzes” on the Bank’s history.

With more than 30 years experience in Bank operations, particularly in Africa where he served as Country Director for Tanzania and Uganda, Mr. Adams brings a wealth of knowledge to Asia at a time when greater emphasis is being placed on cross-regional exchange.

“Asia is an enormous development success story, and we must make it relevant to Africa” noted Mr. Adams, while also pointing out that there are lessons in Africa for East Asia as well, especially with respect to smaller island nations.

Plans to convene a high level dialogue with Japanese counterparts in early 2007 was discussed and supported by both the Bank and the Japanese government.