World Bank Director Orsalia Kalantzopoulos Visits Romania to Meet the Government

Bucharest, January 30, 2008 – The World Bank Regional Director for the Central European and Baltic Countries, a group which includes Romania, Ms. Orsalia Kalantzopoulos, completed today a three-day official visit to Romania.  Ms. Kalantzopoulos assumed her position on January 1, 2008 and this is her first official visit to Romania.

During her visit, Ms. Kalantzopoulos met with H.E. Traian Băsescu, President of the Republic of Romania, H.E. Varujan Vosganian, Minister of Economy and Finance, Mr. Mugur Isărescu, Governor the National Bank, Mr. Bogdan Olteanu, President of the Chamber of Deputies, the European Commission as well as representatives of the private sector, political parties and diplomatic community.  Discussions focused on the implementation of the current World Bank program in Romania, and future challenges in meeting Romania's EU convergence agenda and strategy in addressing global and regional public goods.

“Romania has performed extremely well in meeting the challenges of EU accession, and in achieving high rates of economic growth and financial and fiscal sustainability. Looking forward, Romania faces a challenging policy and investment agenda to sustain growth, improve the Judicial system and meet the Lisbon objectives, while at the same time adapt to the new global and regional challenges such as climate change.  The World Bank is committed to continue its support to Romania in its efforts to meet those challenges.  Our Romania Country Team and I look forward, to providing the necessary assistance and technical advice to Romania” said Orsalia Kalantzopoulos, Director for Central European and Baltic Countries. 

Romania rejoined the World Bank in 1991.  Since then, the World Bank has been active in providing financial support -- US$ 5.5 billion in loans and US$ 100 million in grants -- technical assistance, policy advice and analytical support.

Biography of Ms. Orsalia Kalantzopoulos

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For more information about the World Bank's work in Romania, visit
http://www.worldbank.ro