NEW YORK CITY, September 22, 2021—This morning, World Bank Group President David Malpass met with President Guillermo Lasso of Ecuador.
President Malpass congratulated President Lasso on Ecuador’s successful COVID-19 vaccinations efforts – including joint efforts from the government and private sector – and affirmed the World Bank Group’s commitment to further support Ecuador’s pandemic response.
President Malpass and President Lasso discussed Ecuador’s economic reforms and focus on implementing a smooth fiscal consolidation process while expanding the social protection system to cover the poor and vulnerable. They also discussed the importance of bolstering international trade, including through new trade agreements, to facilitate growth, job creation, and poverty reduction, particularly given migration flows.
President Malpass welcomed Ecuador’s reengagement with the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) and its focus on good governance.
President Malpass commended President Lasso on placing the fight against malnutrition at the center of the national strategy to promote development, growth, and equity. The World Bank stands ready to support this agenda and vulnerable groups.
President Malpass and President Lasso also discussed Ecuador’s commitment to energy reforms to increase electricity supply, improvements in transmission networks, and energy efficiency.
