ISLAMABAD: The government on Thursday sought World Bank support for funding different projects to accomplish the vision of Digital Pakistan.
The World Bank country director for Pakistan, Najy Benhassine called on Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication Syed Aminul Haque here on Thursday.
The minister and the World Bank country director discussed matters of mutual interest, and those related to information and communication technology (ICT), digitalization, and connectivity.
Federal Secretary (IT & Telecom) Shoaib Ahmad Siddiqui was also present in the meeting.
Officials told Business Recorder that the World Bank official was briefed on different connectivity projects taken under the Universal Service Fund (USF) and future line of action.
Further, the ministry also briefed on broadband projects and e-government projects.
The World Bank official showed keen interest and assured of cooperation in IT and Telecom projects related to health and education.
Talking to World Bank Country Director, Federal Minister for IT and Telecom Syed Aminul Haque said that under Digital Pakistan vision, provision of broadband services across the country was priority of the Ministry of IT.
He said the IT and IT-enabled Services (ITeS) export remittances comprising computer services and call center services surged to US $379.251 million at a growth rate of 43.55 percent during the first three months (July-Sep) of FY 2020-21, in comparison to US $264.187 million during the same period during fiscal year 2019-20.
Haque said that the working relations between the World Bank and Pakistan would further strengthen. The federal minister also lauded the World Bank for its support during the Covid-19 pandemic.
He also urged the World Bank for funding in different projects for the completion of the Digital Pakistan vision.
The WB country director lauded the performance of the Ministry of IT, and said the World Bank was ready to cooperate regarding connectivity, provision of broadband services in far-flung areas, and in other areas.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2020
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