Anna Bjerde, the World Bank's Managing Director of Operations, is visiting Bhutan for the first time. During her visit, she will meet with several key figures in Bhutan, including H.M. King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and H.E. Queen Mother Sangay Choden Wangchuck. She will also hold discussions with the Honorable Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, Finance Minister Lyonpo Lekey Dorji, as well as other senior government officials.
Bjerde's agenda includes engaging with civil society representatives, women entrepreneurs, and leaders from the private sector. Accompanying her on this visit is Martin Raiser, Vice President for the South Asia Region at the World Bank.
A significant highlight of Bjerde's visit is the launch of a new four-year Country Partnership Framework between the World Bank Group and Bhutan. This partnership aims to support Bhutan's sustainable growth and development goals. The collaboration between Bhutan and the World Bank has been ongoing for over 40 years.