January 15, 2010—In response to the magnitude-7.0 earthquake that caused extensive damage and casualties in Haiti on Tuesday, the World Bank Group is launching a coordinated response to support recovery and reconstruction in the Caribbean nation.
"This is a shocking event, and it is crucial that the international community supports the Haitian people at this critical time," said World Bank Group President Robert B. Zoellick. "The World Bank is mobilizing significant financial assistance and sending a team to help assess damage and reconstruction needs. Our thoughts are with the people of Haiti, our staff, and our UN colleagues."
The private sector will have a key role to play in the reconstruction of Haiti, as has been the case in other natural disasters. Recently, Haiti has been taking steps to attract investment and improve job opportunities.
"We are deeply saddened by the losses, and concerned about the effects of this disaster on the country," said Lars Thunell, IFC Executive Vice President and CEO. "We are contacting our clients in Haiti to identify ways we can work with them to play a role in the reconstruction and support the economic recovery."
Since 2006, IFC has committed $61 million to Haiti's private sector. In addition, it has five active advisory services projects focused on developing human capital and improving regulatory frameworks to attract investment. IFC recently opened a local office in Port-au-Prince.
For more about the World Bank Group response to Haiti: http://go.worldbank.org/9T5TJOOY90
