DUSHANBE, April 29, 2010, Asia-Plus — At this moment Tajik President Emomali Rahmon is receiving Mr. Philippe Le Houérou, Vice-President of the World Bank for Europe and Central Asia Region.
According to presidential press service, they sides are expected to discuss issues related to cooperation between the Government of Tajikistan and the World Bank in different fields, including energy, agriculture and education.The WB Vice-President for Europe and Central Asia Region arrived in Dushanbe yesterday for a two-day visit.
During his stay in Dushanbe, he is also scheduled to meet with representatives of the country’s NGOs.
Philippe Le Houérou became Vice President for Europe and Central Asia Region in August, 2009. Le Houerou joined the World Bank as part of its Young Professional program and has worked in the East Asia, Latin America, Africa, and Europe and Central Asia Regions. In the mid-1990s, he served as country economist for the Russia program and advised on budget management and public expenditure issues. After Russia, Le Houerou worked on poverty and economic issues in southern Africa, including a stint as the Antananarivo-based country manager for Madagascar, where he supported the government’s reform program and opening up of its economy.
In May 2006, Le Houerou was asked to take on the task of coordinating the World Bank’s effort of working with donor countries to replenish the International Development Association (IDA) – the Bank’s concessionary loan arm that supports anti-poverty programs in the poorest developing countries with long-term, no interest loans.
As Vice President for the World Bank’s Europe and Central Asia Region, Le Houerou oversees a region that loaned $9 billion last year to a range of borrowing countries as diverse as Croatia and Tajikistan. In his new capacity, he supervises 800+ staff working in headquarters and 22 country offices who serve some 30 countries.
