Pakistan 'appreciates' Gates Foundation support, reaffirms polio eradication commitment

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Thursday "appreciated" the Gates Foundation's long-standing support to the country in Davos, Switzerland, reaffirming the shared commitment to achieving polio eradication through close coordination, said a statement by the Finance Ministry.

The country's finance minister met Bill Gates on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum (WEF). The meeting focused on Pakistan’s reform agenda, public health priorities, and strengthening cooperation with the Gates Foundation in support of sustainable development, said the statement.

“The Finance Minister appreciated the Gates Foundation’s long-standing support to Pakistan, particularly its critical role in polio eradication and strengthening health service delivery,” said the statement.

Gates shared an “update on the Foundation’s ongoing and future engagement” in Pakistan, reaffirming the shared commitment to achieving polio eradication through close coordination with relevant stakeholders and provincial authorities. 

The discussions also covered cooperation on the “digitization of Pakistan’s taxation system,” aiming at improving transparency and strengthening domestic resource mobilization. 

During the meet-up, both sides focused on the importance of efficient tax systems and digital solutions in building long-term economic resilience.  “The meeting further explored opportunities to expand collaboration in the health sector, including local vaccine production and stronger supply chains,” it said.

The statement concluded with both sides restating their commitment to continued “engagement” and “partnership” to support Pakistan’s reform efforts and long-term socioeconomic progress.