September 4, 2003	Thursday	Rajab 6, 1424

LAHORE, Sept 3: The visiting World Bank mission on Wednesday stressed the need to bring down infrastructure cost for setting up business and industrial enterprises in Pakistan.

The head of the three-member delegation, Mr Tercan Baysan, during a meeting with the executive committee members of Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) here, said that the World Bank would soon undertake a study to ascertain Pakistan’s position in the global market in terms of competitiveness.

He said that the World Bank had recommended a reforms programme that provided for the unbundling of Wapda and the KESC.

He said that the subsidy being provided by Pakistan government to Wapda was leading to the allocation of less funds to the social sectors like education and health.

Replying to a question on Pakistan’s preparedness for WTO regime, Mr Baysan said that the bank would soon organize WTO orientation seminars, workshops and other programmes for private sector.

He said that major emphasis would be laid on the enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) and quality standards.

He said that the bank was holding negotiations with the Ministry of Commerce that would coordinate in the implementation of the bank’s programmes.

He said that the bank had also earmarked an amount of $200 million for undertaking reforms in tax administration and capacity-building in private sector.

The other members of the World Bank delegation, Zareen Fatima and Miria Pigato, also took part in the discussion.

Earlier, President LCCI, M. Yawar Irfan Khan, presented address of welcome.—APP