The assistant minister, who made history by becoming the first top ministry official to visit the NDB offices in 20 years, was speaking in the wake of fears expressed by workers that privatisation would lead to job losses at the parastatal financial lending institution.
Tibone said in order for NDB to continue the great work it has done over the years, it would have to privatise as intended. He said when NDB was established, its purpose was to function as a development bank, which, he said, has been executed quite well. He, however, responded to the complaint by NDB saying that the ministry had not really neglected NDB but had realised that NDB was a well-organised entity that could fend for itself. He said that NDB is a well-established organisation and has grown from a modest to a robust institution over the last 46 years. The ministry has got more institutions under its wing but is always ready to help, wherever necessary, he said. He said his visits are important as they are meant to emphasise the growth of the countrys economy.
