ISLAMABAD – The World Bank (WB) has announced appointment of Najy Benhassine as new Country Director for Pakistan.
“Mr. Najy Benhassine is the World Bank’s new Country Director for Pakistan effective August 1,” said a WB press statement. He succeeds Illango Patchamuthu, who completed his term on July 31.
Benhassine most recently served as Regional Director for Equitable Growth, Finance and Institutions in the Middle East and North Africa.
Prior to this, he was Director for the Finance, Competitiveness & Innovation Global Practice, the statement said adding that since joining the World Bank in 2001, he has worked extensively on economic development, finance, private sector development and impact evaluations.
I am honored to join the Pakistan office today as @WorldBank Country Director. Looking forward to further building and strengthening our relationship with Pakistan, particularly in supporting the country to tackle immediate and long-term health & economic impacts of #COVID19.
— Najy Benhassine (@WBPakistanCD) August 3, 2020
Benhassine’s appointment comes at a time when the government of Pakistan is confronting both the immediate and longer-term health and economic impacts of the COVID-19 crisis.
“It is critical that we help protect the lives and livelihoods of the people of Pakistan and support economic recovery in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Benhassine.
“My first priority is to ensure that World Bank support helps to not only alleviate the immediate health and economic impacts of the crisis but at the same time support the Government’s ambitious social and economic reform program to promote a more resilient and inclusive economy so that Pakistan can build back better,” he added.
The World Bank portfolio in Pakistan includes 56 active projects amounting to approximately $11 billion.
The portfolio supports reforms and investments to strengthen institutions, particularly in fiscal management and human development; multi-sectoral initiatives in children’s nutrition, education and skills, irrigated agriculture, tourism, disaster risk management, and urban development; and clean energy, and social and financial inclusion.
The World Bank is supporting the government of Pakistan through COVID-19 emergency response projects totaling almost half a billion to help the country prevent, detect and respond to the pandemic and strengthen public health preparedness.
Associated Press of Pakistan Corporation (APPC) - Pakistan's Premier News Agency
Pakistani rupee saw slight gains against US dollar in the open market on March 19, 2024, Tuesday.
In the open market, the US dollar was being quoted at 278.6 for buying and 281.45 for selling.
Euro remains unchanged at 303 for buying and 306 for selling while British Pound hovers around 356 for buying, and 359 for selling.
UAE Dirham AED saw slight changes and new rate stands at 75.7 whereas the Saudi Riyal new rates was 73.95.
Currency | Symbol | Buying | Selling |
---|---|---|---|
US Dollar | USD | 278.6 | 281.45 |
Euro | EUR | 303 | 306 |
UK Pound Sterling | GBP | 356 | 359 |
U.A.E Dirham | AED | 75.7 | 76.45 |
Saudi Riyal | SAR | 73.95 | 74.4 |
Australian Dollar | AUD | 182.7 | 184.5 |
Bahrain Dinar | BHD | 741.22 | 749.22 |
Canadian Dollar | CAD | 204 | 206.2 |
China Yuan | CNY | 38.73 | 39.13 |
Danish Krone | DKK | 40.69 | 41.09 |
Hong Kong Dollar | HKD | 35.63 | 35.98 |
Indian Rupee | INR | 3.36 | 3.47 |
Japanese Yen | JPY | 1.86 | 1.94 |
Kuwaiti Dinar | KWD | 903.77 | 912.77 |
Malaysian Ringgit | MYR | 59.25 | 59.85 |
New Zealand Dollar | NZD | 169.5 | 171.5 |
Norwegians Krone | NOK | 26.27 | 26.57 |
Omani Riyal | OMR | 723.7 | 731.7 |
Qatari Riyal | QAR | 76.57 | 77.27 |
Singapore Dollar | SGD | 206 | 208 |
Swedish Korona | SEK | 26.89 | 27.19 |
Swiss Franc | CHF | 315.26 | 317.76 |
Thai Bhat | THB | 7.76 | 7.91 |
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