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.
The meeting focused on Pakistan’s ongoing reform efforts, public health priorities, and avenues for strengthening cooperation with the Gates Foundation in support of sustainable development and institutional capacity building.
During the meeting, the Finance Minister expressed appreciation for the Gates Foundation’s longstanding support to Pakistan, particularly its pivotal role in polio eradication efforts, said a press release issued by the Ministry of Finance.
He acknowledged the Foundation’s continued engagement and partnership in addressing public health challenges and strengthening service delivery across the country.
Mr. Gates shared an overview of the Foundation’s ongoing and future engagement in Pakistan and underscored the importance of sustained efforts to achieve polio eradication.
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.
They reaffirmed their shared commitment to supporting Pakistan’s efforts to eliminate polio and strengthen health systems.
Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb also thanked Mr. Gates for the Foundation’s recent communication expressing support for the digitization of Pakistan’s taxation system, noting that this initiative was a key component of the government’s broader reform agenda.
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.
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.
The Finance Minister agreed, sharing that improved fiscal resilience had strengthened Pakistan’s capacity to respond to economic and climate-related challenges, reinforcing the importance of reforms aimed at long-term stability.
The discussion also covered opportunities for expanding cooperation in the health sector, including prospects for local vaccine production and strengthening supply chains.
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.
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.
They agreed that continued collaboration would contribute meaningfully to Pakistan’s reform efforts and long-term socioeconomic progress.
Mr. Gates expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to engage with Pakistan’s leadership and conveyed his intention to remain closely involved through the Gates Foundation’s ongoing work in the country.