World Bank delegation to visit Pakistan to hold discussions on $40b CPF
The World Bank’s Country Director
for Pakistan, Najy Benhassine, has acknowledged Pakistan’s strengthening
economic stability, paving the way for a 10-year development plan agreement
under the newly established Country Partnership Framework (CPF).
In an official statement, Benhassine
stated that Pakistan’s improving economic conditions have created an
opportunity for long-term collaboration. As part of this initiative, the World
Bank will extend a $20 billion development loan to support clean energy,
environmental restoration, and sustainable growth. The project is expected to
begin in 2026, aligning with the World Bank Group’s priorities for fostering
economic resilience.
High-Level
World Bank Delegation to Visit Pakistan
In a historic visit, a nine-member
delegation of World Bank Executive Directors is set to arrive in Pakistan on
Monday, marking the first visit of its kind in nearly two decades. The
delegation will engage in discussions on the $40 billion CPF, recently approved
for Pakistan, with a focus on economic development, investment opportunities,
and infrastructure expansion over the next decade.
Read More Pakistan’s
economy could reach $1 trillion by 2035: World Bank
The delegation represents 88 member
countries of the World Bank’s Board of Directors and will hold key meetings
with Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Finance Minister, and Ministers of Economic
Affairs, Planning, and Energy. Additionally, they will visit Islamabad, Punjab,
Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), and Balochistan to assess regional development
initiatives and challenges.
Focus
Areas of the Visit
The Executive Directors will review:
- Economic development projects and investment potential
- Implementation strategies for the $40 billion CPF
- Regional infrastructure needs and challenges
- Private sector development and financial stability
The delegation will also meet with
business leaders, academic institutions, and civil society representatives to
gain insights into Pakistan’s developmental landscape.
World
Bank’s Strategic Commitment
The World Bank Group, which includes
the International Development Association (IDA), International Bank for
Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), International Finance Corporation (IFC),
Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), and the International Centre
for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID), plays a crucial role in shaping
global economic policies.
Read More Pakistan,
World Bank discuss disbursement of $2 b during current financial year
This visit marks a significant step
in Pakistan’s economic collaboration with the World Bank. According to sources,
the CPF model has garnered global interest, with other countries viewing it as
a benchmark for economic cooperation. The Executive Directors are expected to
reinforce the World Bank’s long-term commitment to Pakistan’s economic
transformation.
Delegation
Members
The high-profile delegation
includes:
- Abdelhak Boudjoi (Algeria) – Representing 8 countries
- Zainab Ahmed (Nigeria) – Representing South Africa and Angola
- Beatrice Meiser (Switzerland) – Representing Central Asia and Switzerland
- Robert Bruce Nicol (Australia) – Representing 14 countries, including South Korea,
New Zealand, and Australia
- Teresa Solbes (Spain)
– Representing South American nations, including Mexico and Costa Rica
- Paul Bonmartin (France)
- Lonkho Loleko Mega Gola (Eswatini) – Representing 21 African nations, including Tanzania,
Zimbabwe, Kenya, and Ethiopia
- Marlene Suzi Nzingo (Central African Republic) – Representing 23 African countries
- Touqeer Shah (Pakistan) – Representing Pakistan and seven other nations
Additionally, World Bank Group
Secretary and Vice President Mercy Tembin will be part of the delegation.
A
New Era of Economic Collaboration
This visit signals a new phase of
partnership between Pakistan and the World Bank, with expectations of
substantial financial and technical support for key development projects. As
Pakistan moves toward economic stability and growth, the CPF will serve as a
roadmap for sustainable progress, infrastructure development, and investment
expansion in the coming years.
Source: Minute Mirror