Pakistan, WB teams focus on bilateral cooperation under 10-year CPF

Pakistan and World Bank have expressed the commitment to work closely to operationalize the 10-year Country Partnership Framework and build a stronger, more resilient partnership for Pakistan's sustainable development. 

The resolve was expressed during a meeting between Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, and World Bank delegation led by Managing Director Operations, Anna Bjerde in Islamabad on Thursday. 

The meeting focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation, reviewing the World Bank's financing portfolio, and accelerating the implementation of the newly launched 10-year Country Partnership Framework (CPF).

The discussions also revolved around priority areas identified under the CPF, with a particular focus on climate resilience and population management. Both parties recognized the CPF as a critical tool for advancing sustainable development and achieving long-term economic stability in Pakistan.

The World Bank's Managing Director Operations commended the Government of Pakistan for its continued commitment to essential reforms, praising its dedication to sustaining reform momentum in challenging circumstances.

She also lauded Pakistan's political and economic leadership for its proactive stance on climate action and efforts to align economic growth with environmental sustainability. 

Speaking on the occasion, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb reaffirmed the government's strong commitment to the Country Partnership Framework. He said the government is focused on ensuring that climate resilience and sustainable development remain at the heart of our economic planning.

He said the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Climate Change, and other relevant bodies are working collaboratively to establish a robust implementation framework. The Minister also requested the World Bank to provide technical leadership and assistance to streamline processes and ensure a prioritized and focused rollout of the Country Partnership Framework.

In response, Anna Bjerde assured the World Bank's full support for Pakistan in achieving the objectives of the Country Partnership Framework. She expressed the Bank's willingness to deepen its engagement across key reform areas including taxation, energy, and social protection.