The President, His Excellency Sheikh Professor Alhaji Dr. Yahya Jammeh on Wednesday received at his office the World Bank Regional Director for Africa, Mr. Habib M Fetini. He was accompanied to State House by the Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs, Mr. Abdou Colley.

Mr. Habib M Fetini told reporters that his visit to the President was to review the World Bank programmes and to assess their strategic assistance to The Gambia. Mr. Fetini said his first impression in the country is trying to benefit from His Excellency’s views and opinion on where to go.
The World Bank Director revealed that The Gambia has performed very well in many areas especially in the area of education. He added that the country is on her second generation of challenges in higher education. He further highlighted the country’s great potential in the areas of tourism, agriculture, foreign direct investment and the energy sector. Mr Fetini however said this is his first time to meet with the President since he entered into office but that he has very fruitful discussion with some ministers.

In a separate engagement, the President received the African Development Bank Director, Mr. Frank Perrault, at his office at State House. He was accompanied to State House by the African Development Bank Regional Governor and Finance Minister Abdou Colley. He said he had a fruitful discussion with the President in a number of issues mainly regarding banking activities and the country’s performance.

Mr. Perrault also said they have touched other issues such as regional issues amongst other things. The African Development Bank Director expressed his satisfaction with the commitment of Gambian people in their national development. He finally promised to come back in the near future to see the progress of their programmes.

By Alhagie Ceesay