Discusses commitment to deepening cooperation under the “One World Bank Group” initiative
World Bank Group President Ajay Banga calls Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif PHOTO: PID
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday met World Bank Group (WBG) President Ajay Pal Singh Banga in Islamabad on his first official visit to Pakistan as WBG Chairman.
Banga is on a four-day high-level visit, visiting several official and cultural sites. His visit began on February 1 and will continue until February 4. During his stay, he is expected to meet Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Federal Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and other senior officials. Discussions are expected to focus on economic reforms, development cooperation and regional projects.
According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, Shehbaz Sharif highlighted the long-term partnership between Pakistan and the World Bank Group, praising its commitment to supporting the country’s development priorities. He also praised the World Bank Group’s ten-year Country Partnership Framework (CPF), describing it as a model of cooperative initiatives, and recognized Banga’s leadership in strengthening the role of the World Bank Group as an effective development partner for Pakistan.
“Pakistan appreciates the World Bank Group’s strong support for the country’s economic growth and reforms,” the Prime Minister said.
He added that the government is fully committed to a comprehensive and multidimensional reform program tailored to national needs to achieve lasting economic stability. “We appreciate the support of the World Bank Group in strengthening infrastructure, agribusiness, digital development, energy, human capital, financial reforms, job creation and private sector investments,” the statement said.
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The Prime Minister and Banga stressed that the CPF should ensure rapid implementation of aligned priorities and effective monitoring to achieve rapid and large-scale results. Prime Minister Shehbaz noted that these steps would help overcome obstacles in the execution of development projects and align with his vision of progress.
The Prime Minister also reaffirmed his commitment to comprehensive administrative reforms aimed at promoting employment-led economic growth and further strengthening investor confidence.
Banga thanked the Prime Minister for his warm welcome and hospitality and praised the ongoing reform efforts in Pakistan. “We are committed to deepening cooperation under the One World Bank initiative. Achieving the government’s reform agenda requires close coordination with development partners and more efficient use of private resources,” he said.
The meeting underlined the common goal of ensuring that Pakistan’s development programs are delivered effectively and sustainably, with both sides pledging to work closely together over the next decade.
