Finance Minister Jaber and World Bank delegation review reconstruction projects
Finance Minister Yassine Jaber received a World Bank delegation comprising Lebanon Country Manager Enrique Blanco Armas and Infrastructure Practice Manager Catherine Senn, in the presence of Finance Director General Georges Maarrawi, Prime Minister’s Adviser Sateh Arnaout, and ministerial advisers Claudine Karki and Zeina Kassem.
According to the Finance Ministry’s media office, discussions focused on progress in implementing World Bank-funded recovery and reconstruction projects, as well as challenges involving administrative procedures, procurement and the implementation capacity of the relevant institutions.
The World Bank delegation reported that contracts worth approximately $65 million were undergoing procurement procedures, stressing the need to expedite priority contracts and move toward implementation to deliver tangible results, particularly in rehabilitating damaged roads, infrastructure and schools, and procuring ambulances.
The meeting also addressed challenges facing the Council for Development and Reconstruction (CDR), including the need to strengthen its technical and human resources, particularly in procurement and contracting, streamline procedures and accelerate decision-making.
Participants also discussed security-related obstacles and difficulties accessing certain affected areas.
Discussions further highlighted the importance of strengthening institutional readiness to absorb additional anticipated financing, including €70 million in French funding, while ensuring that available resources are directed toward the most urgent projects in affected areas and communities hosting displaced people.
The meeting also reviewed preparations for a scheduled visit by senior World Bank officials on November 17 and 18, emphasizing the importance of demonstrating implementation progress and facilitating field visits to ongoing projects and affected communities.
Jaber stressed the need for closer coordination among the World Bank, CDR and relevant ministries to overcome administrative and technical obstacles and accelerate project implementation.
He reaffirmed that the priority remained translating international financing and assistance into concrete projects and achievements that improve citizens’ lives and advance Lebanon’s recovery and reconstruction efforts.
