SOFIA, September 10, 2014 – The World Bank continues its partnership with Bulgaria, supporting the country to make the most of its EU membership. The recent appointment of a new World Bank Country Manager for Bulgaria is further illustration of the institutional commitment to work for ending poverty and promote shared prosperity in the country.
Mr. Antony (Tony) Thompson, an Irish national, has been appointed Country Manager for Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia. Mr. Thompson came to Bulgaria following four years working as Acting Director for Strategy and Operations Manager for the Human Development Network, based in World Bank Group headquarters in Washington, DC. He was officially introduced to the Bulgarian Government today by Ms. Mamta Murthi, World Bank Country Director for Central Europe and the Baltic Countries.
“The partnership between Bulgaria and the World Bank Group dates back over 20 years. The cooperation continuous to be strong and sound, and now focuses on shared prosperity and growth that works for all,” Murthi said after her meetings with Ekaterina Zaharieva, Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Policy and Minister of Regional Development and Investment Planning, and Rumen Porodzanov, Minister of Finance.
“It is very inspiring to see Bulgaria’s achievements in the last 20 years – transforming from a fledgling market economy to an upper-middle income member of the European Union (EU) in just two decades. We are glad the World Bank has been among Bulgaria’s partners in this journey, and I feel privileged to personally work in support of Bulgaria’s economic reform,”said Tony Thompson, new World Bank Country Manager for Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia.
