Pakistan, World Bank Review Progress at AlUla Conference

RIYADH: (Web Desk) – Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Muhammad Aurangzeb, met with Ms. Anna Bjerde, Managing Director of the World Bank Group, on the sidelines of the Annual AlUla Conference for Emerging Market Economies in Saudi Arabia.

During the meeting, both sides reviewed progress under the Country Partnership Framework (CPF) and discussed strategies to further strengthen development cooperation. Key sectors discussed included energy, education, health, climate resilience, debt-for-development swaps, fiscal reforms, and infrastructure development.

Emphasis was placed on adopting a more focused approach, introducing clear performance trackers, and ensuring robust implementation mechanisms to translate commitments into tangible outcomes.

Anna Bjerde reaffirmed the World Bank’s strong commitment to Pakistan’s ten-year development program worth USD 20 billion, highlighting the importance of sustained engagement and effective execution to maximize developmental impact.

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Senator Aurangzeb reiterated the Government of Pakistan’s commitment to close collaboration with the World Bank Group and assured full cooperation through relevant federal ministries. He also emphasized the role of provincial governments in ensuring timely execution and measurable results under the program.

The AlUla Conference for Emerging Market Economies, launched in 2025, brings together finance ministers, central bank governors, senior policymakers, and leaders of international financial institutions to discuss key economic challenges and opportunities for emerging market economies.