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ISLAMABAD, Jul 25 (APP):The World Bank’s Vice President for the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan and Pakistan (MENAAP) region, Ousmane Dione, concluded his three-days visit to Pakistan on Friday.
This marked his first visit to the country since its alignment within the newly expanded and reorganized World Bank region, according to WB press release issued here.
Dione met with the Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and members of his government as well as key counterparts to discuss Pakistan’s development priorities. During his meeting with the Prime Minister Sharif, he discussed key structural reforms needed to boost economic growth and accelerate development efforts in the country.
“It’s a pleasure to be back in Pakistan- a country I had the privilege of working with over a decade ago. This visit has provided me with invaluable insights into how the World Bank Group is partnering with the government to better serve the people of Pakistan,” said Dione.
“In my discussions with Pakistan’s leadership, we explored the country’s key development priorities, the implementation of the new Country Partnership Framework, and the ongoing reform agenda. I am deeply impressed by the government’s commitment to advance human development, foster inclusive economic growth and job creation. I look forward to deepening our collaboration in support of Pakistan’s development.”
He also met Ahad Khan Cheema, Federal Minister for Economic Affairs, Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari, Federal Minister for Energy (Power Division), and Ahsan Iqbal, Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives.
In these meetings they discussed how the new World Bank’s regional alignment would support the country program in delivering faster and more effectively.
Dione visited Karachi, where he met the Chief Minister of Sindh, Syed Murad Ali Shah and Sharjeel Inam Memon, Provincial Minister of Sindh for Information, Transport and Mass Transit. They discussed operations in Sindh, focusing on flood response, housing and reconstruction efforts, as well as Sindh’s experience in addressing child stunting.
During his interactions with the Pakistan government and local and international partners, Dione reassured them of the World Bank Group’s continued support for the people of Pakistan.
“We stand committed to help Pakistan address important challenges including child stunting, learning poverty, access to cleaner energy, climate resilience, and air pollution,” he stated.
Dione was joined in his meetings by Bolormaa Amgaabazar, the World Bank’s new Country Director for Pakistan, Zeeshan Ahmed Sheikh, Country Manager for the International Finance Corporation, Fadia Saadah, Regional Practice Director for Human Development, and Almud Weitz, Regional Practice Director for Infrastructure.