Wolfensohn, who arrived in Chengdu Friday on a two-day working visit, made the remark on Friday afternoon at a meeting with Sichuan Governor Zhang Zhongwei.

During the meeting, Zhang briefed Wolfensohn on projects in the province involving WB loans and the province's development.

Wolfensohn said that the Chinese government attached great importance to the development of areas inhabited by minority ethnic groups and Sichuan's projects involving WB loans were under good management, benefiting a population of one million so far.

The WB could provide assistance in such fields as agriculture, education, health, the private economic sector, and high-tech, noted Wolfensohn, adding that the WB would loan small sums for pilot projects.

Wolfensohn visited WB-assisted agricultural and afforestation projects on Friday morning.

He also donated money in his own name to help 10 students of minority ethnic groups during a visit on Friday afternoon to the Southwest China Institute for Nationalities.

(Xinhua News Agency May 25, 2002)