April 02, 2008	Wednesday	Rabi-ul-Awwal 24, 1429

ISLAMABAD, April 1: The World Bank will continue to work with Pakistan to reduce poverty and achieve economic stability and welfare of the people.

This was stated by World Bank Country Director Yusupha B. Crookes, who called on Finance Minister Ishaq Dar here on Tuesday, with a WB team presently visiting Pakistan.

The two sides exchanged views on the current economic situation and expressed the hope that the new government would give a viable and transparent plan for economic development and overcome impediments and imbalances in the economy through well-thought-out policy interventions.

Mr Dar briefed the visitors about economic priorities of the government and indicated that a statement of current financial status inherited by the government would soon be presented to people through parliament to bring greater transparency and fact-sharing with the nation.

He said that with public support Pakistan would hopefully come out of the present economic turbulence and address the economic issues confronting the public through adjustments in monetary and fiscal policies. He said that relationship with WB would be based on transparency, mutual trust and confidence.—PPI