April 2003) Directions: Please do not do interpreting when you listen to the speech this time. The Speech by a World Bank Group Official at the 2002 Western China International Economy and Trade Fair Governor Zhang, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, 1 am delighted to be here this morning to open the Western China International Economy and Trade Fair. I would like to thank the Peoples Government of Sichuan for inviting us to attend this important event where government leaders from Beijing and twelve other provinces meet to discuss strategies for developing China’s Western Region. This event reflects the strong commitment of the Government and the people of China to develop its Western Regions. I am very impressed with the enthusiasm and determination demonstrated not only by the public sector but also by the increasing level of private sector interest in supporting the Western development goals set forth by the government. The purpose of my current visit to China is to assess recent economic developments in China and to discuss with senior leaders of the Government the World Bank Groups assistance strategy for China after its accession to the WTO. 1 started my visit two days ago in the western province of Yunnan and have now come to Sichuan. I have seen good examples of how the World Bank Grow up can offer assistance to the Government and the private sector to develop China’s West. There are 11 provinces, autonomous regions and one municipality in west China, with a total area of about 6.8 million square kilometers and a population of 364 million. The government’s desire to accelerate the development of the western provinces is vital to the success of achieving a sustained...
