Parliament Speaker D.Demberel met World Bank Country Representative in Mongolia Arshad Sayed yesterday to discuss areas of cooperation. The Government needs money to meet the situation created by the dzud. The Speaker also felt that the stoppage of child money and other welfare payments have made things difficult for poor families, and the Government needs to review the decision.

The World Bank is providing assistance to regions and is giving USD1 million to help the affected people. Syed indicated this amount could be raised if needed. He also said the indexed insurance of livestock program run with World Bank funds will soon cover six more provinces besides the initial four.

The World Bank representative also said a plan to reform the banking sector has been prepared in cooperation with Mongolbank and the Finance Ministry. International firms have made external audits in several banks. Their report has been positive. Sayed asked the Speaker to help the World Bank organize a seminar on the reform plan on April 19 and 20.