ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Cheema met with World Bank Vice President for People, Ms. Mamta Murthi to discuss progress under ongoing cooperation between Pakistan and the World Bank and launch of new development initiatives with a particular focus on human capital development, skills development, workforce readiness and employment generation for youth.
During the meeting, Ms. Murthi briefed the minister on the World Bank’s proposed interventions in the health, education and human development sectors, including a medium-term Health Compact aimed at strengthening primary healthcare systems, improving maternal and child health outcomes and enhancing service delivery through a digitally enabled health sector.
Crowding in other development partners in the proposed initiatives will be the priority. She also discussed the possibility of a Skills Development Program focused on strengthening technical and vocational training, improving workforce readiness, and creating better employment opportunities for Pakistan’s youth.
On the occasion, the federal minister welcomed the World Bank’s proposals and emphasized the need to align future interventions with national development priorities. He underscored the importance of strengthening primary healthcare through greater use of digital solutions to improve service delivery and ensuring that skills development initiatives are demand-driven, industry-led, and responsive to the needs of the economy.
While highlighting the need of increased private sector participation, the minister emphasized greater engagement by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to support healthcare systems and industry-oriented skills initiatives.
The meeting also explored avenues for greater collaboration among the government, the World Bank Group, and the private sector to support Pakistan’s human capital objectives.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to continue cooperation and collaboration in advancing Pakistan’s human capital and economic development objectives.
