World Bank high-level delegation reaches Pakistan after 2 decades to discuss economic strategies and the $40 billion CPF framework.
A high-level delegation of nine Executive Directors (EDs) from the World Bank Group (WBG) has arrived in Pakistan on Monday, marking the first visit of its kind in nearly two decades. Representing 88 member countries on the World Bank’s Board of Directors, the delegation will engage with Pakistani government officials and stakeholders to discuss economic strategies, investment opportunities, and the implementation of the newly approved $40 billion Country Partnership Framework (CPF) for the next decade. This visit is expected to strengthen collaboration between Pakistan and the World Bank, particularly in advancing key infrastructure and economic initiatives.
The delegation will hold discussions with Prime Minister, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Planning Minister Sami Saeed, Power Minister Sardar Awais Leghari, and officials from the Economic Affairs Division (EAD). Their discussions will focus on enhancing economic resilience, fostering private sector growth, and ensuring the successful execution of CPF projects.
Beyond Islamabad, the delegation will visit Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh, and Punjab, while also engaging with representatives from Balochistan. These provincial visits aim to provide direct insights into regional economic challenges and development opportunities, reflecting the World Bank’s commitment to inclusive and sustainable growth across Pakistan. Additionally, the delegation will interact with business leaders, academics, and civil society members to better understand the country’s economic landscape.
The World Bank Group, which consists of five major financial institutions—International Development Association (IDA), International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), International Finance Corporation (IFC), Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), and International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID)—plays a vital role in shaping global economic policies and supporting developing economies like Pakistan.
The CPF, approved in 2024, is being observed internationally as a potential model for economic cooperation with the WBG. The delegation will assess ongoing and proposed initiatives, ensuring they align with broader goals of economic stability, infrastructure expansion, and poverty alleviation.
Among the visiting delegates are senior representatives from Algeria, Nigeria, Switzerland, Australia, Spain, France, Eswatini, and the Central African Republic, along with Pakistan’s Executive Director at the World Bank, Tauqir Shah. The group is also accompanied by Mercy Tembon, WBG Company Secretary and Vice President. Their visit signals a renewed commitment to Pakistan-World Bank engagement, coming at a crucial time as Pakistan seeks increased financial and technical support to address economic challenges and accelerate national development.
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