ISLAMABAD: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on Monday reaffirmed its support for the implementation of ‘Ehsaas’, ‘Kamyab Pakistan Programme’ and explore further areas to support Pakistan in its efforts for sustainable development.

The reaffirmation came during a meeting by a UBDP team, led by its representative in Pakistan, with Finance Minister Shaukat Tarin.

UNDP Resident Representative Knut Ostby, who was accompanied by Haroon Sharif, a former chairman of the Board of Investment, and now serving in UNDP as senior technical adviser, said that the UN agency is focusing on sustainable investment potential offered by the private sector of Pakistan, as it is easier to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with support of multilaterals and engagement with the private sector.

Mr Ostby said that ‘development for everybody’ is at the centre of UNDP’s development agenda, and briefed the finance minister about the UN agency’s commitment towards achieving SDGs.

Finance Minister Tarin informed the UNDP team issues such as fragmented industries, undue profits by middlemen, direct access of producers to markets, and access to capital and financial intermediation are on priority for the government which would welcome UN assistance in any of these areas.

Giving an overview of the ongoing economic challenges and respective reform projects being undertaken by the present government, Mr Shaukat Tarin said the Pakistan government wsas committed to introducing reforms in various sectors for tackling longstanding structural issues with a special focus on sustainable and inclusive growth.

The finance minister apprised the UNDP team that the loans for agriculture, production and business development are being disbursed, and the government is moving away from trickle-down approach and is focusing on bottom-up approach for a more inclusive, equitable and sustainable development.

Mr Ostby appreciated and supported the efforts taken by the present government for improvement in social and economic sectors, and highlighted the PM’s motive for ‘Investment in Sustainable Infrastructure’ and commended the efforts of current government in this regard. He also briefed the finance minister about UNDP’s commitment toward achieving SDGs.

Published in Dawn, March 1st, 2022