World Bank President James D. Wolfensohn will visit China at the invitation of the Government of the People's Republic of China, from May 23 through 30. The purpose of his visit is to assess recent economic developments and discuss with senior leaders the World Bank Group's assistance strategy for China after its accession to the WTO.

Mr. Wolfensohn, who will be accompanied by his wife Elaine, will visit Yunnan, Sichuan and Shanghai and tour Bank-supported projects in the areas of cultural heritage protection, poverty reduction and agricultural development, forestry and urban development. In Chengdu, he will also open an office of the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the World Bank Group's private-sector lending arm, and visit an IFC-supported project. During his field visits, he will meet with the respective provincial governors and the mayor of Shanghai to discuss the World Bank lending program.

During his visit to Beijing, Mr. Wolfensohn will meet with Chinese state leaders, minister of finance and senior officials of key ministries. He will jointly open and address the Annual Forum for APEC Finance and Development Program and the International Conference on Corporate Governance with senior Chinese officials. He will participate in a ceremony for China to join the Development Gateway Foundation as a Founding Member and also for the launch of the China Development Gateway. He will meet senior leaders of the Standing/Special Committees of the National People's Congress (NPC). He will make a major address at Peking University. Mr. and Mrs. Wolfensohn will also meet with representatives of the private sector, civil society, and the donor community in the course of their visit.

World Bank Vice President for East Asia and Pacific Mr. Jemal-ud-din Kassum and China Country Director Mr. Yukon Huang will also accompany the World Bank President. World Bank Senior Vice President and Chief Economist Mr. Nicholas H. Stern and IFC Regional Director Mr. Javed Hamid will also participate in his program.

(From the website of the World Bank Office, Beijing May 17, 2002)