Economic and Social Development Programme: Japan extends grant assistance of 500 million yen

ISLAMABAD: Government of Japan has extended grant assistance in the form of 29 special vehicles and equipments for Metropolitan Corporation, Islamabad (MCI) worth Japanese Yen 500 million to the Government of Pakistan under "the Economic and Social Development Programme", said a press release issued on Tuesday.

Noor Ahmed, secretary, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Matsuda Kuninori, Ambassador of Japan, signed the exchange notes, record of discussions and agreed minutes on procedural details on behalf of their respective governments.

Talking on the occasion, the secretary EAD expressed that Pakistan values the bilateral and friendly relations with Japan, and both countries share common views on most of the regional and international economic issues.

Japanese economic assistance has played and shall continue to play a vital role in the socio-economic uplift of Pakistan. He highlighted that the grant assistance in the form of equipments for the MCI is well timed, keeping in view the needs of the MCI, for which we are thankful to the government of Japan.

These equipments will enhance the capability of the MCI for safe collection and transportation of mix type of solid waste on a daily basis. The machinery and equipments will also increase the capacity of the MCI to address the challenges of sanitation arising out of rapid urbanization.

Japan offered to provide similar assistance for management/transportation of garbage/solid waste for Karachi. He further appreciated the commitment of Japanese ambassador to extend technical support to help Karachi being worst hit during the monsoon season.

Japan was also acknowledged for its interest in helping Pakistan regarding disaster management, floods and earthquakes especially when floods predictions in the province of Punjab, KPK and Sindh are in offing. Secretary, Economic Affairs Division appreciated the government and the people of Japan for their support with the assurance of extending all necessary facilitation for more meaningful cooperation between the two sides in future.-PR

Copyright Business Recorder, 2020