LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz met with a high-level delegation led by World Bank (WB) Regional Vice President Martin Raiser on Monday to discuss collaborative initiatives for the province’s development.
During the meeting, WB VP Martin Raiser commended Punjab as a “Regional Champion” for its effective environmental improvement measures. Both sides agreed to undertake joint initiatives in poverty alleviation, IT advancements, infrastructure development, environmental protection, and social upliftment.
Discussions also revolved around expediting ongoing World Bank-funded projects in Punjab and planning new ventures. Martin Raiser praised the chief minister’s public welfare projects and noted their alignment with the World Bank’s “Country Partnership Framework.” The delegation pledged full cooperation in improving environmental conditions and enhancing the province’s sanitation systems.
The World Bank delegation lauded the Punjab government’s initiative to merge the Population Welfare Department with the Health Department, terming it a commendable step. Martin Raiser expressed hope that this merger would significantly improve service delivery to the public.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz expressed gratitude for the World Bank’s continued support in Punjab’s development. She said, “We seek further assistance from the World Bank in education, health, tourism, and environmental projects. Special training programs have been introduced to enable Punjab’s youth to connect with the global IT market. Additionally, the Punjab Clean Air Program is being launched with the support of the World Bank.”
She highlighted key initiatives under the Punjab Clean Air Programme, including the introduction of electric buses, rickshaws, and bikes. Vehicle inspection stations are also being established in collaboration with the World Bank. She emphasised that eliminating environmental pollution is vital for the province’s survival and commended the World Bank’s invaluable support.
Martin Raiser reiterated the World Bank’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with Pakistan, particularly Punjab. “The Punjab government has taken exemplary steps in education, IT, and addressing climate change challenges,” he said.
In a separate meeting, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz welcomed Chinese company BGI Group’s offer to launch a pilot project for rice and corn cultivation in Punjab, alongside initiatives to plant GMO cotton for higher yields.
Maryam Nawaz met with BGI Group Chairman Wang Jian to discuss progress on a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed during her recent visit to China. The meeting focused on cancer treatment, advanced genetic research, and agricultural advancements. The Chinese delegation proposed a pilot project for rice and corn cultivation in the desert area of Bahawalpur.
The Chief Minister welcomed the proposal and appointed the Provincial agriculture minister as the focal person for this initiative. Both sides agreed on cultivating GMO cotton, aiming to boost production by 15%.
Maryam also directed the health secretary to present a workable plan for collaboration with BGI Group on cancer treatment and genetic testing. “The partnership between BGI Group and the Punjab government will be a game changer in the health sector,” said the chief minister.
“We are committed to establishing the region’s most advanced genetic testing laboratory in Punjab, leveraging modern technology for cancer diagnosis and treatment.” She announced plans to build a state-of-the-art government hospital for cancer diagnosis and treatment with BGI Group’s collaboration.
“The Chinese BGI Group will play a revolutionary role in transforming cancer care in Punjab,” she added. BGI Group Chairman Wang Jian commended CM’s performance in the health sector and pledged assistance in advancing Punjab’s position in global medical research.