ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday met with World Bank Group President Ajay Banga and appreciated the long-standing cooperation between Pakistan and the World Bank in various development projects aimed at economic growth and structural reforms.

During the meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif warmly welcomed Ajay Banga on his first official visit to Pakistan as President of the World Bank Group. The Prime Minister expressed satisfaction over the continued support of the World Bank in Pakistan’s development journey and highlighted the importance of multilateral cooperation in addressing the country’s economic challenges.

The Prime Minister said that the government highly values the World Bank’s assistance in Pakistan’s economic development and reform agenda. He emphasized that the current government is fully committed to implementing a comprehensive reform program that has been designed in line with national priorities and the country’s long-term development needs.

Shehbaz Sharif noted that Pakistan is pursuing wide-ranging administrative and institutional reforms to promote sustainable, inclusive, and employment-driven economic growth. He said these reforms are aimed at strengthening governance, improving service delivery, and creating new opportunities for youth through job creation and private sector-led growth.

The Prime Minister particularly appreciated the World Bank’s support in key sectors including infrastructure development, agriculture and agribusiness, digital transformation, energy, and the promotion of private investment. He stated that these sectors play a vital role in boosting economic productivity and ensuring long-term stability.

Highlighting the importance of infrastructure development, Shehbaz Sharif said that investments in transport, energy, and urban development are essential for enhancing connectivity, reducing costs of doing business, and improving the quality of life for citizens. He acknowledged the World Bank’s role in supporting major infrastructure initiatives across Pakistan.

In the agricultural sector, the Prime Minister emphasized the need for modern farming techniques, value addition, and improved supply chains to increase productivity and exports. He appreciated the World Bank’s assistance in promoting agribusiness and rural development, which he said are crucial for poverty reduction and food security.

Shehbaz Sharif also underlined the importance of digital development and technological innovation in driving economic growth. He said that digitalization of government services, financial inclusion, and support for the IT sector are among the government’s top priorities, and welcomed the World Bank’s continued partnership in this area.

The Prime Minister further lauded the World Bank Group’s Country Partnership Framework (CPF) with Pakistan, describing it as a comprehensive and well-aligned roadmap that supports the country’s development goals. He said the framework reflects a shared understanding of Pakistan’s challenges and opportunities and provides a strong foundation for future cooperation.

On the occasion, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed the government’s commitment to maintaining macroeconomic stability and ensuring fiscal discipline. He said Pakistan is taking difficult but necessary measures to strengthen its economy, attract foreign investment, and restore investor confidence.

World Bank Group President Ajay Banga, on his part, thanked the Prime Minister for the warm welcome and hospitality extended to him and his delegation. He praised the government of Pakistan for its ongoing reform efforts and acknowledged the challenges faced by the country in a complex global economic environment.

Ajay Banga expressed the World Bank Group’s continued support for Pakistan’s reform agenda and development priorities. He reiterated the institution’s commitment to deepening engagement with Pakistan under the “One World Bank Group” approach, which focuses on delivering integrated solutions across sectors to maximize development impact.

The World Bank President emphasized the importance of collaboration between international financial institutions and national governments to address global challenges such as climate change, poverty, and economic inequality. He said Pakistan remains an important partner for the World Bank Group, and the institution is keen to expand cooperation in areas that support sustainable and resilient growth.

Both sides agreed to further strengthen their partnership and enhance coordination on ongoing and future projects. The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to advancing Pakistan’s development objectives through continued collaboration, reform implementation, and inclusive economic growth.