World Bank Group President Robert B. Zoellick said the institution was ready to help the victims of China’s earthquake as he expressed his condolences following the disaster that hit the central province of Sichuan on May 12, killing about 15,000 people.

"The World Bank stands ready to support the Chinese government in any way it may find useful in the recovery and reconstruction process," Mr. Zoellick wrote in a May 12 letter to Chinese Premier Mr. Wen Jiabao. "Our thoughts are with the Chinese people at this tragic and sorrowful time," he wrote.

Mr. Zoellick said the Bank Group would draw on its considerable expertise in catastrophe management and reconstruction.

World Bank representatives on Tuesday held detailed discussions on possible technical support for the recovery effort with representatives of the Chinese Ministry of Finance and the National Reform and Development Commission.

(China Development Gateway May 15, 2008)