Step taken after Pakistan’s last representative on the ADB board refused to vacate post
PHOTO: REUTERS
ISLAMABAD: The World Bank is committing over half a billion dollars through two projects to support renewable energy in Sindh and expand economic activity between Pakistan and Afghanistan through the development of an economic corridor along the Khyber Pass.
"The projects will address Sindh's energy needs through the generation of solar power, benefitting the entire province and support trade between Pakistan and Afghanistan through regional connectivity and private-sector development along the Khyber Pass corridor," said World Bank Country Director for Pakistan Illango Patchamuthu.
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"The construction of a 48km four-lane expressway linking Pakistan and its regional trading partners and upgrading the country's infrastructure is an important component of Pakistan's growth policy," he said.
The $100-million Sindh Solar Energy Project will reduce Pakistan's carbon footprint through the development of solar energy.
It will support independent power producers in developing 400 megawatts of new solar power capacity, starting with an initial 50MW pilot project, and provide partial grants to private-sector firms for commercial provision of solar home systems to 200,000 households.
The project will also help gain knowledge and experience in developing solar photovoltaic (PV) schemes on and around public buildings.
The $460.6-million Khyber Pass Economic Corridor Project will benefit consumers, producers and traders in Pakistan and across the border in Afghanistan and the Central Asian Republics through reduction in transport time and cost and private-sector investment.
Better infrastructure and more efficient border crossing will help Afghan medical patients and students coming to Pakistan.
The project will alleviate key constraints to the integration of private sector in Khyber Agency into global value chains. This complements activities by other development partners to increase access to socio-economic and job opportunities across the corridor.
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The International Development Association, a concessionary financing arm of the World Bank, is funding both projects.
Since 1950, the World Bank has provided $33.4 billion in assistance to Pakistan. The World Bank's programme has four priority areas which include energy, private-sector development, inclusion and service delivery.
Current World Bank portfolio includes 45 projects with a net commitment of $8.24 billion.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 16th, 2018.
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