Moroccan finance minister meets WB president

The evolution of Morocco's financial situation in 2001 and the country's future prospects for 2001 were surveyed at a meeting Tuesday in Washington between World Bank President, James Wolfenshon, and Moroccan economy, finance, tourism and privatization minister, Fathallah Oualalou.

Oualalou briefed the WB chief on Morocco's efforts to control macro-economic balance and consolidate structural reforms to promote the business and economic environment.

The Morocco-WB cooperation program over the three coming years was also brought up during the meeting. The program will be axed on financing social projects and structural reforms.

Wolfeshon also assured Oualalou of his Bank's backing to Morocco's efforts to lay down a strong foundation for a lasting growth.

WB's participation in an Arab-African conference, due in Morocco May 21-23, to prepare for the upcoming world summit on children. The Bretton Woods institution will be represented in the meeting by its vice-president for the Middle-East and North Africa, Jean Louis Sarbib.