Tbilisi, June 22, 2015 – The World Bank and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland in cooperation with the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia launched a two-day knowledge sharing event between Poland and Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine as a part of a Poland as a Global Development Partner project.
The specific objective of the event is an exchange of experience between high-level technical decision-makers in Poland and the group of Eastern Partnership countries.
In addition to specific exchanges of experience, this event is expected to promote more contact between high-level technical experts and decision-makers among these countries. This process will add to ongoing bilateral efforts by: (i) focusing on economic reform issues, in particular empowering local institutions to provide better public services and assuring macroeconomic and financial stability; and (ii) providing a neutral forum for a mutual exchange of experiences.
“We are gathered here today not only because of Poland’s accomplishments during the last 25 transition years, but because looking forward - Poland is expected to play an increasingly significant role on the global development scene, by influencing debates internationally and within the EU, sharing its successful experience of economic transition, and supporting global development efforts. The main topic of today’s seminar – decentralization – was a cornerstone of Poland’s success and is now high on the reform agenda in Eastern Partnership countries.” said Mr Andrzej Cieszkowski, Ambassador of the Republic of Poland to Georgia.
“In recent years, the World Bank has fostered cooperation across countries in a peer-learning format. Today’s event aims to share the experience of Poland in transforming its economy with other Eastern Partnership countries. It also provides an opportunity for the other countries to share their own experiences implementing specific reforms,” said Henry Kerali, World Bank Regional Director for the South Caucasus.
“This event is part of a series aimed at facilitating knowledge transfers and promoting cross-country contacts. Subject to the interest by relevant parties – including all Eastern Partnership Countries - the World Bank stands ready to follow up on this event to develop a lasting process of peer learning within the group of countries represented here today and possibly other countries, as well.” said Marina Wes, World Bank Country Manager for Poland and the Baltic countries.
The thematic sessions are intended to provide a framework for candid, reflective and interactive discussions between high-level policy-makers from the invited countries and prominent Polish experts and practitioners on key political and economic reforms. This event is the second in a series aimed at facilitating knowledge transfer and promoting cross-country contacts.
The World Bank stands ready to follow up on this event to develop a lasting process of peer learning within the represented group of countries, and possibly other countries from around the world in future.
