Prime Minister of Japan, Junichiro Koizumi will visit Pakistan in April in connection with extension of economic co-operation and resumption of official development assistance (ODA), which was suspended in 1998. This was disclosed by Secretary Economic Affairs Division, Shuja Shah while addressing a workshop on "Japan's Country Assistance programme towards Pakistan", here on Friday.
The workshop organised by the Japanese Embassy, in collaboration with Japan International Co-operation Agency (Jica) and Japan's External Trade Organisation (Jetro) highlighted the background of Japan's assistance programme towards Pakistan.
The main objective of the workshop was to identify priority areas ie ensuring human security and development; development of a sound market economy; and achievement of balanced regional socio-economic development.
In his speech, Shuja Shah said that during his visit, the Japanese Prime Minister would hold talks with Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz, on a wide range of subjects including assistance to infrastructure, health, education, agriculture and women empowerment.
He said that Japan had discontinued the grant aid and loans to Pakistan following nuclear tests conducted by Pakistan in May 1998 and hoped that Japan will resume the ODA, as Japan was the second largest donor to Pakistan in 1998.
Shah said that bilateral co-operation with Japan would extend the support for development projects and social sector activities in various sectors including health, education, and would aim to benefit basic human needs.
It may be recalled that following 9/11 episode and Pakistan's role against terrorism, Japan pledged a grant of $ 300 million in November 2001 and rescheduled debt worth $ 4.5 billion in March 2003. At present resumption of yen loans is under consideration.
The Japanese Ambassador stated though Japan has fewer resources than before, it wants to provide technical aids as well grants to Pakistan to support development of projects and social sector.
He said that Japan has extensively analysed the development issues of Pakistan and its medium and long-term goal for "Building a Sustainable Society."
Nobuaki Tanaka said that Japan intends to implement "Official Development Assistance" to Pakistan in an effective and efficient manner for utilising the enormous potential of human resources.
Dr Shigemochi Hirashima, economist and representative of Japan Embassy, said that the presence of large regional disparities creates obstacles for social stability and expansion in public investment could provide externalities to private sector investment to contribute to comprehensive development.
He mentioned the priority areas that are highly appreciated by Pakistan are; development and up-gradation of infrastructure to improve living conditions of the poor.
He said though Pakistan government is implementing legal reforms, it must execute policies to improve transparency and prevent corruption by politicians and civil servants.
Takehiro Okubo, head of economic and development section and senior government officials and representatives of bilateral and multilateral international donor organisations and NGOs attended the workshop.
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