2012年-世界发展银行全球_Press_Conference_Pretoria_South_Africa_September_6_2012_16页_255kb

Press Conference Summary: World Bank Group President Jim Yong Kim, South African Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan, and WB VP for Africa Makhtar Diop

Date

September 6, 2012
Location: Pretoria, South Africa

Core Content

This press conference took place between the World Bank Group President Jim Yong Kim, South African Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan, and World Bank Vice President for Africa Makhtar Diop. The discussion centered on the World Bank's role in supporting South Africa's development, particularly in infrastructure, social inclusion, and inclusive growth. It also touched on the World Bank's broader global priorities and its potential involvement in supporting other countries, such as Greece and Spain, during the euro crisis.

Main Points and Key Information

1. World Bank's Role in South Africa

• Infrastructure Support: The World Bank will support South Africa's infrastructure program through technical expertise rather than primarily financial aid. The focus is on improving the efficiency of implementation and delivery systems.
• Inclusive Growth and Social Justice: Both Kim and Gordhan emphasized the importance of inclusive growth and social justice. They stated that the World Bank supports the South African government's efforts to ensure that economic growth benefits all segments of society, particularly the youth.
• National Development Plan (NDP): The new World Bank country strategy will align with the National Development Plan and the various government programs aimed at development and growth.
• Innovation and Learning: South Africa is seen as a laboratory for innovation and good practices, and the World Bank is eager to learn from and collaborate with the country.

2. World Bank's Vision and Leadership

• Mission: The World Bank's mission remains focused on ending poverty and boosting prosperity. Kim expressed confidence in this mission and the consensus within the institution.
• New Directions: There is a growing consensus on the need to focus on jobs, especially in the private sector, as a driver of economic development. The World Development Report 2012 emphasized the importance of job creation.
• Global Collaboration: Kim highlighted the importance of global cooperation and the need to experiment with policies that promote inclusive growth and social equity.

3. Energy and Environmental Policy

• Clean Coal and Renewable Energy: South Africa is pursuing a balanced approach to energy development, including clean coal, renewable energy, and potentially nuclear. The government is working on an Integrated Resource Plan that includes these options.
• Climate Change and Economic Growth: The World Bank acknowledges the need to mitigate climate change and promote sustainable development while recognizing the importance of energy for economic growth and poverty reduction.

4. Technical Assistance and Global Relevance

• Technical Expertise: The World Bank offers technical assistance to countries facing challenges in areas such as social sector strategies, public service delivery, and business environments.
• Role in Euro Crisis: The World Bank is not primarily involved in providing financial aid to countries in the euro crisis, such as Greece and Spain. Its role is more about offering technical expertise and support in managing debt and improving economic systems.

5. Government and World Bank Collaboration

• Efficiency of Service Delivery: The South African government is seeking ways to improve the efficiency of its social expenditures, particularly in sectors like health and education.
• Coordination and Integration: There is a focus on coordinated and integrated development strategies, especially through the Presidential Infrastructure Coordinating Commission.
• Public and Policymaker Education: Both Kim and Gordhan stressed the importance of educating the public and policymakers about the need for inclusive growth and the twin goals of social justice and economic development.

Conclusion

The press conference underscored the shared commitment between the South African government and the World Bank to promote inclusive growth and social equity. It highlighted the importance of technical assistance, policy implementation, and the role of middle-income countries like South Africa in shaping global development strategies. The World Bank also expressed its readiness to support South Africa in its development efforts and to learn from its experiences to benefit other regions.