Assuring development: WB vows to extend technical, financial assistance to Balochistan

The new development strategy would be implemented next year, ensuring a higher level of economic development

QUETTA: The visiting World Bank (WB) delegation, led by Country Director Rashid Bin Masood, has assured much-needed help to the Balochistan government and vowed to extend technical cooperation and financial assistance to the province.

In a meeting with Chief Secretary Babar Yaqoob Fateh Mohammad here on Monday, the WB delegation exchanged views on possible expansion of financial and technical cooperation to enhance the level of development in Balochistan. The WB country director informed the chief secretary that feasibility plans are under way to expand cooperation in various fields with a number of countries, including Pakistan.

It is reported that during its visit, the WB delegation will make an assessment of the basic economic and technical needs of Balochistan by reviewing priorities for economic development.

“The new development strategy would be implemented from July next year, ensuring a higher level of economic development,” the WB country director stated.

He said that the delegation will exchange views with the members of the civil society and members of the parliament before implementing a new strategy for cooperation and partnership with the Balochistan government.

He expressed appreciation for the economic priorities of the Balochistan government to combat backwardness and poverty in the province.

“Balochistan is not poor in resources,” told the gathering. “By using the available natural resources, the government can facilitate the poor people a lot,” Masood added.

Responding to Masood’s remarks, the provincial chief secretary informed the delegation that retaining the pace of economic development and maintenance of law and order are necessary for development.

The chief secretary said that there is a marked improvement in the law and order situation and the confidence reposed in the government by multinational financial institutions and donor countries is a source of satisfaction and inspiration for the people of Balochistan.

Mohammad further said that there are vast opportunities of partnership in the field of investment, mainly foreign investment, in Balochistan. He specifically mentioned the Gadani Power Park where the Balochistan government is a partner in development process.

He mentioned that allocation for education sector during the current fiscal year has been increased six times while allocation of funds for health sector was increased by three times, which is unprecedented in the history of Balochistan.

“It was a good omen that the nationalist parties participated in the last general elections and returned to power,” the chief secretary informed the WB delegates. “It was a sign of political maturity.”

He further said all the issues will be settled in due course of time, including those pertaining to the Reko Diq project.

The chief secretary announced that the government will hold the Balochistan Development Forum in Islamabad where foreign companies and countries will be invited to invest in Balochistan.

“We want to give a clear message to the whole world that Balochistan is the best place for investment in any sector,” the chief secretary asserted.

Economic Consultant Kaiser Bengali, Additional Chief Secretary (Development) Aslam Shakir Baloch and Finance Secretary Mir Dostain Jamaldini assisted the chief secretary in the discussion.

Finance Secretary Dostain Jamalidini briefed the audience about the role of the World Bank in livestock, agriculture, construction of small dams projects.

The additional chief secretary briefed the delegates about additional resources in renewable energy sector.

He also talked about Balochistan Mineral Development and establishment of Public Procurement Authority besides improvement in health and education sector in Balochistan.