Economic development: World Bank delegation calls on chief minister

Delegation agrees to extend cooperation in various sectors.

LAHORE:

“The government is working on Development Strategy 2018 to boost economic growth,” said Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif on Friday. 

He was talking to a delegation from World Bank.

The chief minister said that there was a need for institutional reforms to achieve economic development targets.

He said the government was setting up an e-governance system. He said thousands of job opportunities would be created in the next four years.

Development projects in various sectors were discussed between the World Bank delegates and the chief minister.

World Bank authorities and the government agreed to promote cooperation in manufacturing, urban development, agriculture, mining, IT and skill development sectors.

The chief minister said economic growth was necessary for generation of new job opportunities.

He said Quaid-i-Azam Apparel Park was being set up near the motorway and investors associated with the garments sector would be provided manufacturing facilities at the park.

He said the venture would strengthen textile sector and help increase Pakistani exports.

He said the GSP Plus status had allowed better access to Pakistani textile products to European markets.

The World Bank delegation included lead specialist Vincent Palmade, consultant James Crittle, economist Dr Chan and senior urban specialist Fatima Shah.

‘Friendly relations with neighbouring countries’

Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif on Thursday said Pakistan wanted friendly relations with all countries of the region. He said the Kashmir dispute should be resolved amicably and relations with India improved though dialogue.

“The two countries should stop focusing on the past and look ahead,” he said.  He was talking to Shuja Nawaz, think tank South Asia Centre.

Sharif said efforts were being made to overcome energy crisis in the country. He said the government had selected six sites for coal-based power plants.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 5^th, 2014.