June 3, 2006
World Bank: Venezuela decreased poverty
(Panorama Digital, reproduced by Venezuelanalysis) - 'Venezuela has achieved substantial improvements in the fight against poverty. The statistical evidence that we have compiled shows that from 1995 to 2005 the number of homes under the poverty line has decreased,' stated the World Bank.
The organization said that in these years the number of homes in poverty decreased from more than 40% to 30%
It described this advance as important and stated that it is related to Venezuelans' higher income levels and as a result of the social missions (...)
These statements were made during consultations which took place on June 2nd. These consultations, which will be jointly developed with the Planning Ministry, will be a step towards the design of a new cooperation strategy between the Bank and the country.
'The goal, in addition to conducting an analysis of the different priorities in the region, is to learn the opinions of representatives from different sectors in Zulia concerning the role of the institution in the nation and concerning the different options for cooperation,' David Varela, the resident World Bank Representative in Venezuela said.
Varela has identified four important lines of work in Venezuela -all in accord with the millennium challenge--: water and plumbing, environmental management (solid waste management), and social infrastructure in medium size cities with more than 100,000 residents and in indigenous villages (...)
'Even though we don't have any prepared figures, if we have a small borrowing program complemented with non financial study services, technical assistance and donations, that will enrich our contribution to the country,' said the World Bank representative.
Cecilia Guerra, the General Director of Multilateral Finance of the Ministry of Planning, said that government representatives met with the authorities of the World Bank to define the area of action. Different projects are being worked on with the IADB and the Andean Development Corporation".
