The World Bank (WB) works on projects at the request of the government of Pakistan - aligned with the Annual Development Plans and are designed to demonstrate poverty reduction and climate co-benefits. This was stated by the World Bank in response to a questionnaire sent by Business Recorder to multilaterals for their comment on Prime Minister Imran Khan''s five-point road-map proposed in his address to the second Build and Road Initiative (BRI) forum in Beijing: (i) creation of poverty alleviation fund; (ii) fight against climate change; (iii) establishing tourism corridor; (iv) combating against corruption; and (v) liberalizing trade and encouraging private sector investment.
WB responded: "The World Bank works on projects at the request of the Government of Pakistan. These projects are aligned with the Annual Development Plans of the government at the Federal and provincial levels. Globally, every project is designed to demonstrate poverty reduction and climate co-benefits. Our portfolio includes tourism, private sector development, regional connectivity, trade and competitiveness and human capital".
IMF''s response was as follows: "I do not have anything to comment on the items proposed......As our Managing Director Christine Lagarde stated recently in Beijing after meeting PM Khan, our work right now focuses on discussions with the authorities the prospects for a comprehensive policy package and international financial support to help stabilize the economy of Pakistan, and also the need to strengthen governance and protect the poor". ADB had not responded till the filing this report.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2019

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