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Good afternoon.
This is my first stop on my first visit to South Asia as President of the World Bank.
I am really delighted to be able to come to Pakistan so early in my tenure, and to be able to discuss how the World Bank can support the progress of this important country. I'm delighted also to be able to arrive here on your independence day and would like to express congratulations to all the people of Pakistan on this auspicious, important day.
Around the turn of the century, five years ago, Pakistan set itself on a course of economic reform and you have sustained this course with real discipline and with real results.
I am eager to learn more and to see first-hand how these reforms are beginning to make a difference for the people of Pakistan and especially for your poorest citizens - and most especially for Pakistani women and children.
I have been told particularly about gains that have been made in education, and a new hope that girls are attending school in greater numbers.
But even with these early successes, the challenges are huge. I am here to see that the World Bank is offering you its very best support and to see if there are any things we can do even better.
Pakistan has shown a real determination in its economic reform program: sustaining this effort, investing in infrastructure for the future, and in services for the poor across the nation, will test that determination even further.
I am equally determined that the World Bank will be an active partner in your efforts.
Thank you very much.
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