ISLAMABAD: Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb has commended the Gates Foundation for its sustained support and involvement in Pakistan’s development initiatives. He expressed this sentiment during a meeting with a high-level delegation from the Foundation in Islamabad.

According to Radio Pakistan, the delegation was led by Dr. Anita Zaidi, President of the Gender Equality Division, and Ms. Kalpana Kochhar, Interim President of the Global Policy and Advocacy Division. The agenda of the meeting included discussions on population growth and its effects on maternal and child health, nutrition, poverty, and girls’ education.

The Finance Minister highlighted the importance of continued collaboration through the sharing of knowledge, technical expertise, and international experience. He acknowledged the Gates Foundation’s financial support and its role in advancing Pakistan’s development priorities.

Ms. Kalpana Kochhar briefed the Finance Minister on the Foundation’s growing activities in Pakistan, particularly in the areas of human capital, child health, nutrition, maternal health, and women’s economic participation. Dr. Anita Zaidi also discussed the Foundation’s maternal health initiatives and the use of artificial intelligence to enhance health outcomes, reaffirming their commitment to the country.

The Gates Foundation expressed interest in supporting greater access to finance in Pakistan, especially for small and medium enterprises, through improved information flows, digital footprints, and cash-flow-based lending. Both parties agreed to strengthen their collaboration in human capital development, health, financial inclusion, and digital innovation.