The Treasurer today welcomed the announcement that Mr Robert Zoellick will be the US nominee for the position of President of the World Bank.
Mr Zoellick has filled key positions in the US Administration, including Deputy Secretary of State and US Trade Representative. He is well‑known in Australia as a participant in the Australia-America Leadership Dialogue meetings. As the United States Trade Representative, Mr Zoellick was the US negotiator on the Australia-United States Free Trade Agreement. Mr Zoellick is currently a senior executive at the investment bank Goldman Sachs.
The Treasurer said Mr Zoellick is an excellent candidate for the World Bank Presidency and will be supported by Australia. The President is formally appointed by the World Bank’s Executive Board, with nominations closing on 15 June.
Following the completion of current processes, it is Australia’s view that the World Bank should examine the selection process for the President in line with the objectives advanced by the G-20 of openness, transparency and merit‑based selection without restriction by nationality.