LUSAKA, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- A senior World Bank official on Wednesday expressed confidence in Zambia's economic performance this year.

       Nathan Belete, the World Bank country director for Malawi, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, said the Bank will continue to support Zambia in critical areas to ensure the growth of the economy.

       In remarks delivered when he paid a courtesy call on Zambian Finance and National Planning Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane, the World Bank official also said the Bank will reinforce its support to the health sector to address disease outbreaks such as cholera.

       The Zambian minister said this year's economic growth will be driven mainly by the agriculture and tourism sectors. He commended the World Bank for its continued support toward boosting growth in various sectors, adding that the support has been instrumental in cushioning the country during challenging times.