Tunisia-Tunisia among 10 countries to receive World Bank’s support for purchase of COVID-19 vaccines

Tunisia has been incorporated among the 10 countries getting the relief granted by the World Bank (WB) to developing countries to fund the purchase and distribution of vaccines, tests and treatments against the new coronavirus (COVID-19), WB Vice-President Férid Belhaj stated at the virtual annual meetings of the WB Group and the IMF, held from October 15 to 21, 2020, in Washington.
Minister of the Economy, Finance and Investment Support Ali Kooli declared he was content, after receiving the WB agreement on Tunisia, which was among the first countries to receive such support, the Ministry declared in a statement Friday.

The Ministry of Economy and Finance said in the statement that Kooli has attended the annual meetings of the WB Group and the IMF and held talks with the WB Vice President and other officials in charge of several sectors.
The Minister declared Tunisia’s commitment to further reinforce cooperation with the WB Group, through continued cooperation, either for the financing of development projects or for budget support.
WB Vice President Ferid Belhaj emphasised the sensitivity of the global economic situation, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, maintaining the bank will work to help member countries, especially developing countries to cope with the impact of this pandemic.
“The official stressed the Bank’s determination to continue providing needed support to Tunisia to accompany it in the implementation of its reform programmes, to overcome the difficulties and put in place the necessary pillars for a gradual economic recovery.
The Minister spoke at a conference on “economic outlook of the Middle East and North Africa region”, about the principal aspects of the reform programme decided to boost economic activity and raise the pace of growth.
In this context, he emphasised the significance of intensifying cooperation and enhancing solidarity, particularly during this delicate period encountered by most countries in the world, including Tunisia, in terms of negative repercussions on the economic, financial and social situation.
The Minister said Tunisia is adding in this reform process, on its capacities and its own efforts as well as on the support of its partners, first and foremost the World Bank.