The World Bank has welcomed Zambia's 2009 national budget, Zambia News and Information Services (ZANIS) reported on Friday.

World Bank Country Representative Kapil Kapoor said he is overwhelmed to see that the Zambian government in its 2009 national budget has reflected a number of programs that will enhance economic development.

Kapoor was quoted by ZANIS as saying in Lusaka on Friday that the 2009 national budget has touched on a number of development programs which he said when implemented will harness economic development in the country.

He cited the mining, agriculture, tourism, health, education and construction sectors as some of the key sectors that need to be supported in order to enhance economic development in the country.

The World Bank Country Representative was reacting to the 2009 national budget which was presented Friday by Finance and Planning National Minister Dr Situmbeko Musokotwane.

Kapoor said the World Bank is happy to see that the 2009 national budget was focusing on diversification, a move he said will help to address some challenges associated with the global economic and financial crunch.

He further called on the Zambian government to implement the prospects of the 2009 national budget with a view to enhancing economic development in the country.

(Xinhua News Agency January 31, 2009)