WORLD BANK MISSION ASSURES REFORMS COOPERATION TO PUNJAB GOVT

Salim Ahmed

Friday, November 28, 2014 – Lahore—World Bank Mission led by Vincent Palmade met Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif, here today. It was agreed in the meeting to take speedy measures for cooperation between Punjab government and the World Bank for institutional reforms, urban development, agri business, skills development, information technology, disaster management, livestock & dairy development, promotion of small industries and other sectors. A steering committee comprising representatives of World Bank and Punjab government was also set up which will monitor the measures for cooperation between Punjab government and World Bank in different sectors.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said that comprehensive reforms are being introduced for economic progress of the province. He welcomed the cooperation of World Bank experts for institutional reforms and capacity-building of various sectors. He said that provincial authorities will work with the World Bank team for institutional reforms, economic development, promotion of technical education and uplift of other sectors and benefit from their experience and skill. He said that Punjab government is implementing a comprehensive programme for the economic progress of the province and efforts are being made speedily for achieving the target of eight percent growth rate during next four years.

He said that modern technology is being fully utilized for achieving the targets of economic development and progress is being made for setting up e-government in the province with the help of information technology. He said that youth are a precious asset and national economy can be strengthened through imparting them skills. He said that youth can play an important role in the development of the country through skill development. He said that various skills are being imparted to the youth according to the industrial and market requirements. The Chief Minister said that provision of jobs to the youth is a big challenge which is being changed into an opportunity.

He stressed the need of re-organization and capacity-building of TEVTA and vocational training institutions. Shahbaz Sharif said that instead of wasting time on achieving teachers and buildings for providing training of various skills to youth, a skilled force can be prepared speedily by acquiring the services of companies. He said that modern technology is being used for enhancing economic growth in the province. He said that tax collection system is being organized on modern lines and automation. The Chief Minister said that new job opportunities can be created through economic development. He said that Punjab government has fixed target of provision of jobs to ten lakh youth.

He said that transparency and merit is hallmark of Punjab government and simplicity and corruption-free culture has been promoted in the province.