ISLAMABAD: The Islamic Development Bank (IDB) has assured its support to Pakistan in the country’s quest to implement its developments plans, said IDB President Dr Ahmed Mohammed Ali in a meeting with Finance Minister Ishaq Dar.
Ali also offered the bank’s support in the enhancement of the current role extended by the IDB in the economic progress of Pakistan.
The IDB, which has its principal office in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, aims to foster economic development and social progress of member countries and Muslim communities individually as well as jointly.
According to the statement issued by the Ministry of Finance, the IDB president said the bank will extend cooperation and help promote trade relations among Islamic countries. It added that Pakistan would be assisted by enhancing its exports to Islamic countries as well.
Ali also committed to remaining engaged with Pakistan on polio eradication and its development plans including Neelum-Jhelum hydropower, Jamshoro coal power and the Central Asia-South Asia (CASA) 1,000 project.
He hoped that Pakistan will continue to progress and emphasised that the IDB will do whatever it can to help the country. He also appreciated Dar for his input during the board of governors’ meeting, stressing that the minister’s ideas would benefit the IDB.
Meanwhile, Dar informed the IDB chief that economic policies pursued during the last one year have started producing results and are having a positive impact on the overall economy.
He recalled the success of the Eurobond issue in the international market and the spectrum auction that helped the country raise crucial foreign exchange reserves. Dar added that the confidence of international investors in Pakistan is overwhelming.
Referring to Ali’s recent visit, Dar appreciated his personal interest in polio eradication in Pakistan and acknowledged IDB’s role in organising the International Ulema Conference in Islamabad to mobilise opinion for polio eradication.
He appreciated support for the Polio Eradication Programme ($227 million), which he said was the government’s priority.
Among others, Economic Affairs Division Secretary Saleem Sethi, Consul General Aftab A Khokher and senior officers from IDB were also present during the meeting.
