Davos, 19 January 2024 (TDI): Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar conducted a meeting with Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of UAE-based DP World, a multinational logistics company, on the sidelines of the 54th annual meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos.
The Prime Minister conveyed contentment at the growth of exchanges, interactions, and cooperation between businesses in Pakistan and the UAE and mentioned their transformative potential.
He embraced DP World’s interest in expanding its Pakistan business and assured the company of the government’s continued backing.
Pakistan remains committed to supporting partner enterprises in achieving its geo-economic vision as a hub for commerce and industry.
Following the discussion, the Prime Minister witnessed the signing of inter-governmental framework agreements between the Ministries of Communications, Railways, and Maritime Affairs of Pakistan and the Government of Dubai, represented by DP World.
The agreement encompasses potential opportunities in Pakistan for the development of a dedicated freight corridor, multi-modal logistics park, and rail freight terminals on Pakistan’s railway network, as well as inter alia. Additionally, the agreement involves the development of a coastal economic zone and the dredging of navigation channels at Port Qasim.
Prime Minister Kakar talks with Bill Gates
Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar engaged in substantive talks with Bill Gates, co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, on Wednesday. The meeting took place in Davos on the sidelines of the 54th annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF).
The purpose of the encounter is to delve into a spectrum of social initiatives undertaken in Pakistan. Additionally, it seeks to commend the ongoing partnership between the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Pakistan, applauding their joint efforts in maintaining positive social impact.
Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar particularly applauds this collaboration for its critical support across sectors such as public health, social initiatives, and financial inclusion, as well as during the COVID-19 pandemic and the floods of 2022.
Furthermore, he highlighted the government’s collaborative efforts to combat poverty and malnutrition.
During the discussion, they reiterated the need to further consolidate the gains while scaling up efforts throughout the country.
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is a non-profit fighting poverty, disease, and inequity around the globe to dramatically improve the quality of life. In Pakistan, it manages multiple social protection and development programs. This program is managed by Inclusive Financial Systems at a cost of $4,000,000.
Moreover, the foundation has endorsed Vital Pakistan Trust to prevent enteric infections, enhance immunization coverage, and reduce mortality in infants and young children. This is achieved through the expansion of primary health care services, incorporating nutritional support and routine immunization activities, specifically in the Karachi division.
Noticeably, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has provided $9,847,902 for this project.
During the COVID-19 period, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation provided a grant of over $2 million to support Pakistan.
In Islamabad, the National Institute of Health received a grant for COVID-19. This grant was provided to strengthen the public health response to COVID-19 in Pakistan. It was a key regional partner in South Asia, providing support for epidemiological and laboratory capabilities.
Also Read: Prime Minister Kakar to participate in WEF annual meeting
Meeting with Belgian Prime Minister
In parallel, Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar met the Prime Minister of Belgium, Alexander De Croo, on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum on Wednesday.
In recognition of the completion of 75 years of the establishment of diplomatic ties between Pakistan and Belgium, expressed great satisfaction at the growing trade and economic relations between the two countries.
They reiterated their pledge to enhance high-level exchanges and bilateral cooperation in all areas of mutual interest, including trade and investment, migration and mobility, and higher education.
Key regional and global developments were also addressed in the meeting.
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