_: President Jacob Zuma today, 6 September 2012, met the World Bank Group President Dr Jim Yong Kim at the Sefako M Makgatho Presidential Guest House in Pretoria. President Zuma welcomed Dr Kim’s visit to South Africa, one of the first group of countries he is visiting since he took over as the President of the World Bank Group in July 2012.

Among the issues discussed at the meeting was how the World Bank Group can best support African countries to achieve higher levels of, and more inclusive, economic growth, as well as enhance Africa’s infrastructure Programme. President Zuma also raised the issue of the democratization of the World Bank.

The President’s meeting with Dr Kim followed meetings the World Bank President had with Finance Minster Pravin Gordhan as well as other Cabinet Ministers.

“I discussed with Dr Kim, among other issues, the role that the World Bank Group can play in support of the integration of African economies. We have already done much work to highlight the vital importance of regional trade corridors that connect countries through roads, railways, and provide access to ports and airports. The World Bank Group can play a vital role as a catalyst for the development and financing of infrastructure, especially because private sector investors will draw comfort from the anchor role that a financier like the World Bank Group can play,” said President Zuma.