PM Imran updates WB president on economic reforms

• PM says ease of doing business, enhancement of tax base and mobilisation of domestic resources among top govt priorities
• WB president lauds Pakistan for making substantial progress in economic indicators despite fiscal challenges

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday appreciated the World Bank’s financial and technical support to Pakistan and reiterated the government’s resolve towards the strengthening of economy, transparency and good governance.

Talking to World Bank President David Malpass, the PM said that ease of doing business, enhancement of the tax base, mobilisation of domestic resources, foreign investment and financial reforms were among the foremost priorities of the government.

He apprised the WB president of various initiatives launched by the government to ensure the welfare of the youth, alleviation of poverty and facilitation of housing sectors.

Speaking on the occasion, Malpass said the World Bank recognised the government’s efforts towards economic turnaround; reducing expenditures, practising austerity and initiating reforms in critical sectors of the economy.

He appreciated Pakistan for making substantial progress in economic indicators despite global and internal fiscal challenges.

The WB president was accompanied by South Asia VP Hartwig Schafer, Equitable Growth, Finance and Institutions (EFI) VP Ceyla Pazarbasioglu-Dutz and World Bank Country Director for Pakistan Patchamuthu Illangovan.

World Bank President David Malpass arrived in Pakistan earlier today and visited Tarbela Dam. He was accompanied by Water Resources Minister Faisal Vawda.

The WB president inspected Tarbela Dam, Tarbela Hydel Power Station and the powerhouse of the Tarbela-4 Extension Hydropower Project.

He lauded the government for bringing improvement in the water resources sector, including removal of hiccups in the completion of the Dasu Hydropower Project and construction of dams.

Speaking on the occasion, Faisal Vawda said steps were being taken under a comprehensive strategy to improve water resources in the country. He expressed confidence that the sector would further grow with the cooperation of the World Bank.