ISLAMABAD: A high-level delegation led by Canada’s Deputy Minister of International Development Leslie Maclean called on Economic Affairs Minister Muhammad Hammad Azhar here on Thursday.
Both sides discussed Pakistan’s development agenda, impact of Canada’s development assistance to Pakistan, current issues affecting delivery of development assistance, and support of the development partners in future, a press release issued by the EAD said.
Azhar expressed gratitude to the visiting delegates for taking interest in the development partnership with Pakistan, appreciating Canada for supporting Pakistan through humanitarian as well as technical assistance in various projects.
The minister also highlighted that the government authorities remained committed to expanding the social safety nets; reducing poverty; according priority to other social issues such as health, education, clean drinking water; and providing subsidized energy by not enhancing tariff rates for the lower income group.
Speaking on the occasion, Canada’s Deputy Minister of International Development Leslie Maclean said their visit signified the importance Canada always gave to Pakistan in long term development partnership and desired to know about development priorities of Pakistan.
The Canadian side appreciated the suggestion and assured to build strong and sustainable development partnership with greater focus on simplicity, monitoring, effectiveness, transparency and accountability.
Both sides also exchanged views on the prospects of the mutual economic cooperation in multiple sectors and IMF plan for Pakistan.
The minister briefed the delegation about the economic challenges faced by Pakistan and the recent developments and outlooks besides highlighting improved indicators of Pakistani economy despite enormous challenges.
Both the sides expressed firm resolve to continue such interactions at higher level to better understand the development needs, opportunities of cooperation and investment in the emerging sectors.
