PAKISTAN'S ECONOMIC REFORMS ARE SIGNIFICANT: WORLD BANK.

ISLAMABAD, Nov 1 Asia Pulse - The World Bank President Robert Zoellick said Pakistan's achievements in the economic sector are significant and the reforms process must continue, even after the elections.

He was addressing a joint news conference with Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz after their meeting, which lasted for more than hour here Wednesday.

Mr Zoellick said the achievements of the government over the past three years are an incredible success. He said it is for the people of Pakistan to decide in the next general elections but continuity of reforms will be to the benefit of Pakistan.

The objective of his visit was to emphasise that reforms are extremely important to bring more investment, be competitive in the world market and reduce poverty. "Pakistan is making a major mark in this important aspect," he said.

The World Bank is ready to help in the areas of infrastructure development including energy, ports and airports. They are extending annual assistance of US$1.5 billon, which can be raised another half a billion, as long as Pakistan uses the money for infrastructure and in the social sectors.

Mr Zoellick said the Pakistani private sector is also seeking increased cooperation and there is a wide range of possibilities in this area. "The business side in Pakistan is also doing very well but there is a need for expanding infrastructure because of the needs of the expanding economy."

He said they also talked about possibilities of expanding infrastructure for cooperation with Central Asian Republics and emphasised the expansion of education and health facilities to achieve millennium goals.