WB pledges support for sustainable development

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif and World Bank Country Director Najy Benhassine have agreed to continue cooperation to achieve sustainable development in Punjab. During a meeting, the leaders discussed World Bank-funded development projects under way in the province. Emphasising the need for early completion of the ongoing public welfare projects in the province, the chief minister said, “I will personally monitor the ongoing World Bank-funded projects.” She briefed the WB country director about the projects like province-wide solid waste management, Knowledge Park and nutrition for malnourished children in Punjab. She added, “A project of providing packaged milk to students in government primary schools will be started soon. The World Bank and other institutions will be welcomed to join this project.” The chief minister highlighted the need for mutual cooperation for eliminating smog and air quality improvement. The progress of the WB-funded Punjab Green Development and Punjab Cities Programmes was also reviewed in the meeting. Both leaders also agreed to cooperate in the field of information technology. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan Ambassador Obek Arif Usmanov also met the chief minister and discussed matters pertaining to education, health, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, surgical instruments, mutual trade and enhancing economic cooperation in various sectors. The leaders agreed to promote garment trade between the two countries. Matters with regard to importing the agricultural machinery from Uzbekistan to Punjab were also discussed. The CM stressed her desire to strengthen social and economic relations along with promoting economic collaboration with Uzbekistan. According to an official statement, the ambassador lauded the vision of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif about Central Asian trade routes, saying his efforts had enabled the promotion of trade in the region and opened avenues of progress and prosperity. He also appreciated the services of the late Kulsoom Nawaz Sharif for democracy. Speaking to AJK PML-N President Shah Ghulam Qadir who called on her, the chief minister said the government was initiating innovative projects for sustainable development in Punjab. Published in The Express Tribune, April 5th, 2024.

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