ZAGREB, June 8, 2018 — Cyril Muller, World Bank Vice President for Europe and Central Asia, met today with President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović, Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, and Minister of Finance Zdravko Marić. Mr. Muller was joined by Arup Banerji, World Bank Regional Director for European Union countries, and Elisabetta Capannelli, World Bank Country Manager for Croatia.
Discussions focused on the preparation of the World Bank Group Country Strategy 2019-2024 and how the World Bank can help the country achieve sustainable and inclusive growth for all citizens.
“We are encouraged by Croatia’s economic recovery and progress on fiscal consolidation and debt reduction,” said Cyril Muller during his visit. “We look forward to preparing the Country Strategy for 2019-2024 with the Government of Croatia, and supporting the implementation of the National Reform Program. The Country Strategy will also have a special focus on creating opportunities in the poorer regions and for the most vulnerable people of Croatia. Increasing productivity and competitiveness, deepening technology adoption and innovation, and investing in people will help Croatia increase its growth potential and the living standards of all Croatians.”
Since joining the World Bank Group in 1993, Croatia has benefited from the World Bank’s financial and technical assistance, policy advice, and analytical services. To date, the World Bank has supported more than 50 operations amounting to around US$3.5 billion. The Bank’s engagement focuses on transport, health, innovation, business environment, land administration, economic development of the Slavonia region, and support for the preparation of the National Development Strategy.
