ISLAMABAD: Minister for Economic Affairs Sardar Ayaz Sadiq appreciated World Bank (WB) for its decades-long assistance, which he said had played and would continue to play vital role in socio-economic uplift of Pakistan. Talking to Regional Director for WB South Asia, Sustainable Development (SD) John A.

Roome and Country Director WB Najy Benhassine who called on him here Ayaz Sadiq appreciated WB on being one of major development partners who extended substantial financial support of $ 31.1 billion to Pakistan since 1950s. He expressed gratitude to World Bank for its flood relief assistance to Pakistan.

“We are well-supported by World Bank’s team.’’ said Minister and highlighted that bank’s interventions cover all major sectors of economy including infrastructure, agriculture, rural and urban development, human capital, social service as well as economic growth. Ministry of Economic Affairs has now changed its role from just facilitator in signing of agreements to ensuring monitoring and fund utilisation of projects to most optimal way. He apprised Regional Director that Ministry was monitoring projects through continuous meetings of National Coordination Committee on Foreign Funded Projects and Steering Committee for Coordination regarding International Assistance for Flood Relief Activities. Roome appreciated facilitation and proactive role of Ministry of Economic Affairs.

He discussed WB’s pipeline projects for supporting post-flood rehabilitation and reconstruction activities, particularly in province of Sindh and Balochistan and highlighted need to push forward implementation of these projects through effective coordination with provinces. Secretary EAD stated that Ministry has categorised projects into three categories including satisfactory, unsatisfactory and problematic, while Ministry’s special focus is on problematic projects.

Published in The Daily National Courier, November, 17 2022

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