Interview with former Finance Minister, Pierre Laporte

Interview with former Finance Minister, Pierre Laporte

21-October-2015

One door closes and another opens - Sacos of the World Bank

Holds a Master in Economics, the Seychelles Pierre Laporte, the former minister of finance, trade and investment, will assume the role of director of the World Bank in Côte d'Ivoire, from 1 November 2015.

He also worked at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as an economist for three years before becoming the representative of the fund in Niger from 2005 to 2008.

Mr. Laporte last week thanked President James Michel for the opportunity that was given to participate in the modernization of institutions and economic reforms of the Seychelles.

We offer you an interview with Mr. Laporte.

Seychelles  NATION: What assessment do you make of the Seychelles finance management since you left the post of the Minister of Finance?

Pierre Laporte: I am very glad to see that President (note: Michael James) and his team maintain the same economic discipline. The management of public finances is transparent and effective. It is true that during previous interviews, I talked about the need to improve things, but what is important is that the results show that the Seychelles economy is very solid. I also see that decisions snuff by President Michel, Finance Minister Jean-Paul Adam and the other members of the government are good and I am very encouraged that the Seychelles are on track to consolidate the gains of stabilization financial.

Seychelles NATION   Is this an easy decision to leave Sacos after spending only four months as general manager?

Pierre Laporte: It was not an easy decision. Contrary to what many people think, I was not aware of the possibility of joining the World Bank. It was only in September that I received the invitation followed by an interview.

It was not easy for several reasons. First, I had begun to implement internal reforms within Sacos and the employees were very encouraged by the changes.

Second, it is not always easy to leave his country. Seychelles is one of the few countries where people live well. Even if it was a difficult decision to make, sometimes you see things in a broader sense. This new experience can influence my career. I always dreamed of working at the World Bank, especially after working with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Seychelles NATION   Do you think it would be easy to take on this new challenge?

Pierre Laporte: It is true that this is a new challenge. I will work with the world's largest development institution. This work requires a high level of professionalism and under my jurisdiction there will be five countries - Côte d'Ivoire where I would be based, Guinea, Benin, Togo and Burkina Faso - all countries with various challenges. There are countries in post conflict, stable and those emerging challenges. It will be very interesting and at the same time a challenge.

I think that if the World Bank has offered me the opportunity to work, it is certainly because she thinks I have accumulated enough experience working for the IMF and the Seychelles government as governor Central Bank and Ministry of Finance. I am prepared to meet this challenge.

Seychelles NATION   In your opinion, is it easier to work for a private institution or the government?

Pierre Laporte: I think having had the experience of working for the IMF and the Seychelles government is an advantage as opposed to someone who only worked for the government or the private sector. And I know very well how the World Bank because, as Finance Minister, I was also the governor of the World Bank for the Seychelles. While I was at the IMF, I also had contact with the World Bank and I know well its main vision is to reduce poverty and hunger and promoting shared prosperity.

Seychelles NATION   Think you can help Seychelles when you're at the World Bank?

Pierre Laporte: Although Seychelles lose right now a professional, I think that I would be in contact with the outside world will bring me a lot of experience and knowledge that I certainly would share with other Seychellois.

Posted in: