ZAGREB, March 29, 2016 – Arup Banerji, World Bank Regional Director for Operations in the European Union, completed his first visit to Croatia since his appointment in January 2016. The objective of Mr. Banerji’s visit was to meet with key counterparts in the government, discuss Croatia’s development agenda and how to further enhance the longstanding relationship between Croatia and the World Bank Group.
Mr. Banerji’s agenda included meetings with H.E. Tihomir Oreskovic, Prime Minister of the Republic of Croatia, H.E. Zdravko Maric, Minister of Finance, representatives of the international community, members of the business community and other stakeholders.
“I appreciated the discussions with the new Croatian Government and recognize their efforts to tackle key priorities of fiscal consolidation, debt sustainability, investment climate and support to SMEs. These are important areas in securing sustainable growth and increasing employment,” said Arup Banerji. “As Croatia’s partner, the World Bank Group will continue to assist the Government’s efforts along the path to stronger economic growth and help the authorities maximize the benefits of EU membership.”
Since joining the World Bank in 1993, Croatia has benefited from financial and technical assistance, policy advice, and analytical services provided by the global development institution. To date, the World Bank has supported 54 operations amounting to around US$3.5 billion.
