LAHORE (January 25 2010): A high-level World Bank Mission headed by its country director, Yusupha Crookes called on Chairman P&D Board and discussed matters on preparation of new country partnership strategy of the World Bank for the period 2010-2013. Secretaries of provincial key departments also attended the meeting, says a handout issued here on Sunday.

The Mission appreciated the performance of Education Sector in Punjab. Country Director told that innovative approaches for the World Bank partnership evolved in the education sector in Punjab were now being replicated in other South Asian Countries. He appreciated the completion of Taunsa Barrage Rehabilitation Project in time and successfully implementing HIV/AIDS Control Programme in Punjab. Regarding World Bank strategy, Yusupha said that it was aligned with the strategy for development prepared by the Punjab government in June 2009.

Highlighting the salient feathers of the new Country Partnership Strategy, the World Bank Mission stated that it would be based on three pillars ie i) Sustained macro-economic strategy and reduced macro-economic vulnerability; ii) Improved human development and social protection and iii) improved environment for private sector investment and growth.

On the proposals of Punjab government, the Mission agreed to support Technical Education and Vocational Training, and agriculture sector including livestock sector and forestry. It also agreed to continue assistance in health and education sectors in addition to provide assistance for Barrages Rehabilitation Project Phase-II covering Jinnah and Islam Barrages.

Copyright Associated Press of Pakistan, 2010