The World Bank has urged Pakistan to speed up reforms aimed at reducing regulatory barriers and making it easier for businesses to operate and invest in the country.
The issue was discussed on October 2 during a meeting between Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and a World Bank delegation led by Country Director Bolormaa Amgaabazar in Islamabad. The meeting reviewed progress under Pakistan’s ongoing economic reform partnership with the World Bank.
The discussions covered measures to improve the investment climate, expand access to finance for small and medium-sized businesses, increase productivity and create jobs. The World Bank also proposed reducing business restrictions and developing export-finance products through Pakistan’s EXIM Bank to support trade.
Both sides also discussed reforms in taxation, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, tariffs and capital markets. The government and World Bank agreed on the need to move from planning reforms to implementing measures that can produce practical results.
The discussions are part of the World Bank’s broader 2025 to 2035 partnership with Pakistan, which involves around $20 billion in blended financing. The partnership focuses on economic growth, jobs, investment and institutional reforms.
