Islamabad (TDI): A delegation of nine World Bank Executive Directors has arrived in Pakistan, marking the first such visit in two decades.
The delegation will meet with the Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Finance Minister, and Ministers for Planning, Energy and Economic Affairs to discuss the effective implementation of the Country Partnership Framework.
The delegation will also visit the provinces to review developmental initiatives and formulate strategies.
The team is scheduled to visit Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, Sindh, and Balochistan.
Also Read: IFC Lauds Pakistan’s IMF Engagement, Economic Reforms
Previously, World Bank Vice President for South Asia, Martin Raiser, said in a statement that the $20 billion lending will be insufficient to achieve the ten years’ development goals, and Pakistan will have to mobilise more resources to overcome its challenges.
In a statement issued after a week-long trip to Pakistan, Raiser appeared to balance the optimism surrounding the $20 billion Country Partnership Framework with Pakistan’s actual financing requirements to address the human capital crisis.
Also Read: World Bank Commits $40B for Pakistan
“The World Bank Group’s support will not be sufficient to achieve the ambitious targets set forth. Attracting private sector investment by improving the business climate is crucial,” said Raiser in a statement issued by the country office after his visit.
