Finance Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar called on President World Bank Dr Jim Yong Kim during the spring meetings of the World Bank and IMF

Finance Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar called on President World Bank Dr Jim Yong Kim during the spring meetings of the World Bank and IMF

Finance Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar called on President World Bank Dr Jim Yong Kim during the spring meetings of the World Bank and IMF here today.

The two discussed in detail World Bank’s portfolio in Pakistan. Finance Minister acknowledged the role being played by the World Bank for resolving the disputes under the Indus Waters Treaty and urged expediting the process. He said that the resolution of the issue “would lead to water security in the region”.

Minister Dar briefed President Kim about the improvement in the macro economic situation in the country which had been acknowledged and appreciated by the international financial institutions. Pakistan’s economy was set to grow by over 5 percent in the fiscal year ending in June 2017. The focus, he said, was now on making the growth inclusive and sustainable. For the purpose, government was also focusing on the social sectors. Innovative measures, including Pakistan Development Fund and Pakistan Infrastructure Bank, were being undertaken to maintain the higher growth trajectory.

On his part, President Kim congratulated Finance Minister on successful completion of the IMF programme and expressed the hope that Pakistan will continue the reform process going forward to sustain the higher growth trajectory. He opined that Pakistan could further benefit from technological improvements in the renewable energy sector. He offered World Bank’s technical and financial help in this regard.

Minister Dar highlighted the potential for hydro power generation and water storage in the country and requested World Bank’s support in undertaking hydro power projects on Indus River cascade. President Kim assured World Bank’s continued support for projects like Dasu and Tarbela as well as other hydropower projects.

The meeting was attended by Governor SBP, Finance Secretary, Secretary EAD and Pakistan’s Executive Director in World Bank. President Kim was accompanied in the meeting by World Bank’s CEO/MD Kristalina Georgieva and other senior management.

April 24, 2017
Washington D.C