Rothenbuhler stresses institutional reform

BY A STAFF REPORTER

Kathmandu, Nov.13: Development of a country is more than economic growth, said outgoing World Bank Country Director of Nepal Hans Rothenbuhler at a farewell reception with the press here today.

He pointed out the weak institutions in the country that need to be strengthened for sound development efforts and results. "It all depends on how much have we reform our institutions that implement the ideas and policies."

Rothenbuhler answered several questions of journalists and shared his experiences while working in the country for the last three years. He was appointed the World Bank Country Director for Nepal in 1997. In December 1998, he presented the World Bank’s new Country Assistance Strategy for Nepal to the Board of Directors of the World Bank Group.

"The strategy singles out poor governance and weak institutions as key bottlenecks to Nepal’s development," said Rajib Upadhya, the Bank’s Senior External Affairs Specialist, during his opening remarks in the farewell reception. "And, for the first time, it ties World Bank assistance to performance and progress in overcoming institutional bottlenecks."

With his tenure over in Nepal, Rothenbuhler is retiring from his job at the World Bank. The new country director of the bank is expected to be appointed within a few weeks’ time.

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