ISLAMABAD, Jan 22 (APP): Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, Thursday in Davos met with Bill Gates on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting. <\/p>\n
The meeting focused on Pakistan\u2019s ongoing reform efforts, public health priorities, and avenues for strengthening cooperation with the Gates Foundation in support of sustainable development and institutional capacity building. <\/p>\n
During the meeting, the Finance Minister expressed appreciation for the Gates Foundation\u2019s longstanding support to Pakistan, particularly its pivotal role in polio eradication efforts, said a press release issued by the Ministry of Finance. <\/p>\n
He acknowledged the Foundation\u2019s continued engagement and partnership in addressing public health challenges and strengthening service delivery across the country. <\/p>\n
Mr. Gates shared an overview of the Foundation\u2019s ongoing and future engagement in Pakistan and underscored the importance of sustained efforts to achieve polio eradication. <\/p>\n
Both sides discussed the need for close coordination with relevant stakeholders and provincial authorities to ensure effective implementation of health initiatives, particularly in areas requiring focused attention. <\/p>\n
They reaffirmed their shared commitment to supporting Pakistan\u2019s efforts to eliminate polio and strengthen health systems. <\/p>\n
Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb also thanked Mr. Gates for the Foundation\u2019s recent communication expressing support for the digitization of Pakistan\u2019s taxation system, noting that this initiative was a key component of the government\u2019s broader reform agenda. <\/p>\n
He highlighted that strengthening domestic resource mobilization through transparency and digital solutions remained a top priority, closely monitored at the highest level to ensure effective implementation. <\/p>\n
Mr. Gates emphasized the critical role of efficient tax systems in building long-term economic self-reliance and noted that digital tools could significantly enhance tax collection, governance, and service delivery. <\/p>\n
The Finance Minister agreed, sharing that improved fiscal resilience had strengthened Pakistan\u2019s capacity to respond to economic and climate-related challenges, reinforcing the importance of reforms aimed at long-term stability. <\/p>\n
The discussion also covered opportunities for expanding cooperation in the health sector, including prospects for local vaccine production and strengthening supply chains. <\/p>\n
Both sides welcomed continued dialogue with relevant ministries and partners to explore practical and sustainable options that support public health outcomes and domestic capacity building. <\/p>\n
The Finance Minister and Mr. Gates reaffirmed their shared desire to work closely in the years ahead, building on a relationship rooted in trust, shared objectives, and a strong commitment to inclusive development. <\/p>\n
They agreed that continued collaboration would contribute meaningfully to Pakistan\u2019s reform efforts and long-term socioeconomic progress. <\/p>\n
Mr. Gates expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to engage with Pakistan\u2019s leadership and conveyed his intention to remain closely involved through the Gates Foundation\u2019s ongoing work in the country.<\/p>\n