President seeks WB support for Pakistan in overcoming energy, water, food shortages

RAWALPINDI: Underscoring the need for hydro-power projects and storage dams in the country, President Pervez Musharraf on Wednesday looked forward to the support from World Bank to help Pakistan achieve its priorities of overcoming energy, water and food shortages. The President was talking to Praful C. Patel, Vice President, World Bank who called on him here at Presidential Camp Office. Syed Naveed Qamar, Minister for Finance and Economic Affairs was also present in the meeting.
He also highlighted the need for developing infrastructure links between China, Pakistan and Central Asian Republics.
The President reiterated that one of the major causes for South Asia not being able to exploit the benefits of regional cooperation is the non-resolution of the Kashmir issue.
President Musharraf appreciated the role of World Bank in Pakistan’s socio- economic development and its support to help invest in infrastructure and social sectors, particularly, health and education.
He lauded the role of Patel, in particular, during his five year tenure as Vice President for South Asia.
The Vice President World Bank congratulated the President for the economic progress achieved by Pakistan under his leadership.
He applauded the impressive growth of 7.5% maintained by Pakistan on average during the past 5 years under a difficult international scenario. He appreciated the commitment of the present economic team and was optimistic that economy will once again continue its upward path.
Patel thanked the President for the continued support and dialogue with the World Bank during his tenure.
He expressed his confidence in the economic fundamentals of Pakistan whereby the current dip could be followed by the required growth after taking corrective measures towards the macro economic condition.
Patel affirmed that the World Bank would continue to be a partner in the development of Pakistan and would provide necessary assistance in the key areas like water and power, infrastructure, education and other social sectors and poverty alleviation.