14 Nov 2007

World Bank calls for more effort from PNG to reduce poverty

8:51 pm on 14 November 2007

The vice president of the World Bank, James Adams, has called on the Papua New Guinea Government to do more to reduce poverty.

Mr Adams in a flying visit, gave the Somare administration thumbs-up for re-vamping the nation's economy, but he says this is yet to result in widespread poverty reduction.

The Post Courier newspaper reports Mr Adams' visit is the first by such a high-level World Bank official since the country's independence.

Mr Adams says the World Bank wants to see how the economic growth would reduce poverty.

The World Bank has had a sometimes difficult relationship with PNG, but Mr Adams assured the government the agency was ready to continue its support to see that sustainable growth continued.

He says this will include a strengthened mission in Port Moresby.

Meanwhile Mr Adams cancelled his visit to neighbouring Solomon Islands, apparently because of the political instability there.