World Bank President Dr Jim Yong Kim has urged the Sindh government to make ambitious projects for health, human resource, renewable energy and urban development, and said that the bank would extend unflinching support.
“It is my commitment, we are with you and we would support you to achieve the goals,” he said.
He was talking to Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah who briefed him about the steps taken by his government in different sectors and efforts against challenges at the CM House today.
Kim and Shah discussed areas of cooperation and developing further partnerships in different sectors. Shah welcomed Kim to Karachi, who has been visiting for first time during his tenure.
He said that poverty reduction, human development and economic growth were priorities for his government. “Health, education, nutrition and skills development are being focused by the government in addition to infrastructure improvements and economic sector like agriculture and industries,” he said and added that his government was keen to improve its economic growth by promoting businesses through special economic zones and public private partnerships.
The chief minister appreciated the support of the World Bank as a major development partner for the socioeconomic uplift of the province.
Dr. Jim Yong Kim thanked the Sindh chief minister for his warm welcome and hospitality. “I feel privileged to visit Sindh which has very strong history and civilisation,” he said and added “I am quite happy that World Bank shares the goals of Sindh government for poverty reduction, including economic growth and shared prosperity.”
Kim said that Sindh has the potential to become a place of high economic growth provided the issues of infrastructure gap, energy, human development and ease of doing businesses are addressed. “World Bank prioritises human development, health improvements, and disease control and nutrition support world over for developing countries,” he said and added that World Bank would continue its support for governance reforms, competitive businesses, improving infrastructure and social services particularly health, education and nutrition, in addition to agriculture, irrigation and others.
He said that World Bank would soon start its support to Sindh for formulation of Sindh Growth Strategy and complete the strategy for transformation of Karachi. “The World Bank has global experiences and practices which will be mobilised to support the government for poverty reduction and enhanced economic growth.”
President World Bank also said that large population of youth in the province is an endowment which may be used for economic growth through skills improvement and job placements.