The Minister for Economic Affairs, Mr. Ahad Cheema, held a very productive meeting with Ms. Anna Bjerde, Managing Director for Operations (MDO) at the World Bank. The Minister and MDO discussed measures to improve operational effectiveness of the ongoing portfolio and prospective areas of WB’s support in the context of the new Country Partnership Framework (CPF) of WB for Pakistan. Senior officers from both sides participated in the meeting.

The Minister appreciated continued support of WB to complement Pakistan’s development agenda. He also lauded the proactive support of WB’s country office, especially the leadership and facilitation provided by Mr. Najy Benhassine, the outgoing Country Director for Pakistan.

The Minister highlighted the remarkable economic turnaround achieved by Pakistan in a short span owing to Government of Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to comprehensive economic reforms for achieving sustainable macroeconomic stability. The success of reforms and right direction of Pakistan’s economic journey is validated by excellent progress on the ongoing Extended Fund Facility (EFF) as well as the recent upgraded credit rating by Fitch.