This visit reaffirms “the World Bank’s commitment to partner with Morocco to achieve better development outcomes for all its citizens, including in the face of climate change,” the WB said in a statement, noting that this will be Van Trotsenburg’s first trip to Morocco as Managing Director.
During his visit, Van Trotsenburg will meet with senior government officials, private sector representatives, civil society organizations and youth.
He will also chair an event to launch a new WB report, the Morocco Climate and Development Report (CCDR), at the International University of Rabat (UIR) on November 3.
The report provides a new analysis of the dual climate and development challenge facing Morocco and recommends priority actions that will enable it to jointly achieve its climate and economic development goals.
“The Kingdom of Morocco is a long-standing partner of the World Bank Group, and we are pleased to support its efforts to take climate action while implementing its development agenda, including structural reforms,” Van Trotsenburg said, as quoted in the statement.
“The launch of the CCDR, just prior to COP27, sends a strong signal that climate and development can be integrated in ways that support a country’s growth priorities.” Van Trotsenburg further noted.
“Exploring the impact of current climate challenges while pursuing a large-scale recovery is very relevant to the Kingdom. I am also pleased that it will host the Annual Meetings of the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund next year, in 2023 in Marrakech.”
Van Trotsenburg will be accompanied by Ferid Belhaj, World Bank Vice President for the Middle East and North Africa, and Jesko Hentschel, World Bank Director for the Maghreb and Malta.
The WB’s current active portfolio in Morocco consists of 24 projects valued at US$6.61 billion. In the last fiscal year, the World Bank provided a record $1.8 billion in loans, one of the largest programs in the region.
