MANILA: The World Bank has committed to provide support to the Philippine government’s infrastructure program and efforts to improve tax collection, the Department of Finance (DOF) said on Friday.

In a social media post, the Finance department said Finance Secretary Ralph Recto engaged with World Bank Group (WBG) President Ajay Banga on April 17, 2024 to further cement collaboration and align the country’s new partnership framework with key development priorities of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s administration.

During the meeting, Banga pledged to assemble a dedicated team to conduct a workshop and assist the DOF in enhancing its digital infrastructure to improve tax collection efficiency.

He also committed to support President Marcos’ Build Better More program and provide more advisory works on several public-private partnership projects.

Banga said he is also keen on promoting entrepreneurial opportunities for young people in the country.

He also offered assistance in the agriculture sector to im
prove productivity and ensure food security.

Joining Banga during the meeting were International Finance Corporation Regional Vice President for Asia and Pacific Riccardo Puliti; WBG Regional Vice President for East Asia and the Pacific Manuela Ferro; Special Adviser to the WBG President Trevor Harris Kincaid; and Chief of Staff Coralie Gevers.

It was held on the sidelines of the WBG and the International Monetary Fund Spring Meetings from April 15 to 21, 2024 in Washington, D.C.

Source: Philippines News Agency