Bangkok: Pakistan and the World Bank Group (WBG) are set to deepen their partnership with a focus on translating macroeconomic stabilization into sustainable growth and private investment. This development was highlighted following a meeting between Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Economic Affairs, Ahad Khan Cheema, and World Bank Group President Ajay Banga during the 2026 WBG-IMF Annual Meetings in Bangkok.

According to Press Information Department, the discussions aimed to build on President Banga’s earlier visit to Pakistan and emphasized reducing project preparation times and mobilizing private capital. Cheema acknowledged the WBG’s operational improvements and discussed Pakistan’s reform efforts that are led by the Prime Minister’s Steering Committee to address systemic bottlenecks. The partnership aims to streamline processes and strengthen operational effectiveness.

Cheema highlighted the importance of aligning policy reforms with high-impact investments in sectors such as digital transformation, AI, healthcare, and infrastructure to stimulate private investment and employment. He stressed the need for ongoing WBG financing for strategic initiatives like the National Artificial Intelligence and Economic Development Program. The government is committed to doubling SME financing by 2028 and strengthening the private sector as a key driver of growth.

Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to a partnership that aligns Pakistan’s development goals with the WBG’s global expertise, aiming for sustained economic growth and improved quality of life for Pakistan’s citizens.