World Bank presents partnership framework

Bank Country Head Najy Benhassine says it will focus on four main areas

LAHORE:

Under the World Bank partnership framework, the bank will focus on four main areas along with improved governance, education, healthcare, inclusive growth, green and clean Pakistan, said World Bank Country Head for Pakistan Najy Benhassine.

He presented the proposed Country Partnership Framework at a consultative session held at the Planning and Development Complex on Friday.

Representatives of the World Bank, federal government and all administrative departments of Punjab participated in the event. Speaking on the occasion, Planning and Development Board Joint Chief Economist Dr Amanullah presented Punjab's economic growth strategies, government interventions and economic growth landscape of the province.

Planning and Development Board Chairman Abdullah Khan Sumbal called Punjab a progressive province where development initiatives were always encouraged.

He acknowledged the support extended by the World Bank to the province. Planning and Development Secretary Imran Sikandar Baloch said that the Punjab government had always been growth-centric and inclined to work on specific sectors.

The objective of the session was to hold discussion on Punjab's development priorities for the next five years and take input of the provincial government on areas where the World Bank could provide support.