DAVOS 26: Bill Gates, Aurangzeb discuss health, tax digitisation

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb on Thursday met Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist Bill Gates on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting, where the two discussed Pakistan’s reform agenda, public health priorities, and continued cooperation with the Gates Foundation.

According to the Finance Division, the meeting focused on Pakistan’s ongoing institutional reforms, polio eradication efforts, and opportunities to strengthen collaboration in support of sustainable development and capacity building.

The finance minister acknowledged the Gates Foundation’s longstanding engagement in Pakistan, particularly its role in polio eradication, and appreciated its continued support in addressing public health challenges and improving service delivery.

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Gates briefed the finance minister on the Foundation’s current and future engagement in Pakistan and stressed the need for sustained efforts to eliminate polio.

Both sides discussed closer coordination with provincial governments and other stakeholders to ensure effective implementation of health initiatives, especially in high-risk areas.

The meeting also touched upon the digitisation of Pakistan’s taxation system. Aurangzeb thanked Gates for the Foundation’s recent communication supporting tax digitisation, describing it as a key pillar of the government’s broader reform agenda.

He said strengthening domestic resource mobilisation through transparency and digital tools remained a top priority and was being closely monitored at the highest level.

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Gates highlighted the importance of efficient tax systems in achieving long-term economic self-reliance, noting that digital solutions could significantly improve tax collection, governance, and service delivery.

Aurangzeb said improved fiscal resilience had enhanced Pakistan’s ability to respond to economic and climate-related challenges, underlining the importance of sustained reforms aimed at long-term stability.

The two sides also discussed prospects for expanding cooperation in the health sector, including local vaccine production and strengthening supply chains. They agreed to continue engagement with relevant ministries and partners to explore practical and sustainable options.

Both Aurangzeb and Gates reaffirmed their commitment to continued collaboration, agreeing that closer cooperation would support Pakistan’s reform efforts and contribute to long-term socioeconomic development.