ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: The Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Shaukat Tarin held a meeting with the Resident Representative UNDP Knut Ostby at the Finance Division in Islamabad on Monday.
The Assistant Resident Representative UNDP Ammara Durrani, the Senior Technical Advisor UNDP on Financing for Development Haroon Sharif, the Policy Analyst UNDP Umer Akhlaq Malik, and other senior officials also participated in the meeting.
The Resident Representative UNDP Knut Ostby briefed about UNDP’s commitment toward achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Knut Ostby maintained that for Developing Countries, it is easier to achieve SDGs with support of multilaterals and engagement with the private sector. He further said that ‘development for everybody’ is at the center of UNDP’s development agenda.
On the same lines, the UNDP is focusing on sustainable investment potential present in the private sector of Pakistan.
The team also highlighted about the prime minister’s motive for ‘Investment in Sustainable Infrastructure’ and commended the efforts of current government in this regard.
Welcoming UNDP team, the Finance Minister Shaukat Tarin gave an overview about the on-going economic challenges and respective reform projects being undertaken by the present government.
Shaukat Tarin maintained that government of Pakistan is committed to introduce reforms in various sectors for tackling longstanding structural issues with a special focus on sustainable and inclusive growth.
The finance minister apprised that the loans for agriculture, production and business development are being disbursed. The government is moving away from trickle-down approach and is focusing on bottom-up approach for a more inclusive, equitable and sustainable development.
It was further informed that issues such as fragmented Industries, undue profits by middleman, direct access of producers to markets, and access to capital and financial intermediation are on priority for the government and any assistance of the UNDP in these areas will be welcomed.
The resident representative UNDP appreciated and supported the efforts taken by the present government for improvement in social and economic sectors.
Knut Ostby reaffirmed UNDP’s commitment to continue support for the implementation of Ehsaas, Kamyab Pakistan Program (KPP), and explore further areas to support Pakistan in its efforts for sustainable development.
