WB boss to visit RI

JAKARTA (JP): World Bank President James Wolfensohn is scheduled to begin a two-day visit here Tuesday as part of his Asian tour aimed at reassuring the region's economies.

The World Bank announced in a statement that Wolfensohn would visit a poor North Jakarta neighborhood to meet unemployed workers on Wednesday afternoon. He is on a nine-day tour of the region which began in Thailand on Jan. 30.

During his visit, he is expected to announce the institution's support for the government's labor-intensive programs in urban areas.

In Thailand, Wolfensohn met with Prime Minister Chuan Leek Pai and Finance Minister Tarrin Nimmanahaeminda to discuss their efforts to solve the country's financial difficulties.

He announced Saturday the monetary body would extend US$300 million in loans to Thailand to help stem burgeoning unemployment. (gis)