ISLAMABAD: Managing Director World Bank Sri Mulyani Indrawati along with her economic team met the Federal Minister for Finance Mohammad Ishaq Dar at the Finance Division.
Ms. Mulyani and her team discussed with the Minister important issues related to growth and energy DPCs of the World Bank and the progress so far being made to reform the economy of Pakistan.
The Minister acknowledged the support of Ms. Indrawati as a great friend of Pakistan and the cooperation of the World Bank on Growth, Energy, enhancing the educational facilities in Pakistan and in important projects like Dasu.
Ms. Indrawati commenting on her visit said that this is her 2nd visit to Pakistan and it has been very productive. “The Prime Minister, the Finance Minister and all the government departments with whom we are working have extended us the full support and we acknowledge their support” said the MD. In Pakistan, the last two years had gone really well in terms of economic development. Pakistan had made head ways in promoting regional connectivity and extending trade ties with the countries in the region, also said Ms. Indrawati. She also appreciated the positive suggestions received from the Pakistan Government in preparing the policy frame work for Pakistan. She said tomorrow through her press statement she will also share the positive outcomes of her visit.
Ms. Indrawati also appreciated the efforts of the government in enhancing the support of the poor families through the Income Support Program. She also said that with the Census being held in the next year the system of identifying the poorest of the poor will further be improved.
The Finance Minister also thanked the World Bank team for helping in restoring the lives and livelihoods of the TDPs affected by the ongoing crisis in FATA and by the recent floods in the country.
On the issue of cooperation in improving health facilities in Pakistan , the Minister said, “We hope that the World Bank will support along with other development partners in the eradication of polio and immunization of each and every child of the country”. The Minister also sought cooperation from the Bank on expediting pledges from the donors and preparation of the projects in coordination with the respective governments.
Both, the Finance Minister and Ms.Indrawati expressed their desire to continue working in future in areas of economic growth and fighting the energy crisis in the country.
