IDB Keen on Greater Links with World Bank/IMF (Interview with IDB President Dr Ahmad Muhammad Ali)

In interviews at the World Bank/IMF Annual Meetings in Prague at end of September, Islamic Banker discussed a number of issues with IDB's President. One of IDB's goals at the meetings is to engage in side meetings with the finance ministers of the 53 IDB member states to review priorities of the members, as well as review and discuss the IDB's constructive program of coordination and cooperation with the World Bank. The IDB does not impose uniform regulations or accounting standards, confining its role to offering technical assistance. It welcomes IMF participation in all Islamic banking initiatives and is ready to cooperate in any way. In terms of its function as a development bank, the IDB has strong cooperation with the World Bank as well as other development banks and funds. The Bank has participated in the first HIPCs and will be participating in future ones when IDB member states are involved. Acknowledging that private-sector development in member countries is underdeveloped,