Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz has said that the technical and financial assistance provided by Japan, particularly through Overseas Development Assistance (ODA), has a positive impact on development in the social sector and contributed to the success of our reform agenda.
Talking to Atsushi Hatakenaka, Senior Vice President, Japan International Co-operation Agency (JICA) who called on him here on Friday, the Prime Minister appreciated JICA Pakistan's role as a bridge between people of Pakistan and Japan to promote co-operation based on exchange of knowledge and experience.
HE said Pakistan, which was in dire straits seven years ago, is fast emerging as a model of economic reforms in the developing world. Liberalisation, deregulation and privatisation, the Prime Minister said, were the corner stones of our reform agenda. That coupled with improved and transparent procedures is attracting record foreign investments from all parts of the world, which is a testimony of trust and vote of confidence by the international community in our policies.
He identified maintaining the momentum of growth, better facilities of health, education, infrastructure and security as the major challenges and said the government will continue to focus on these areas for sustainable development
The Prime Minister said Pakistan is playing a stabilising role in the region and using its unique geo-strategic location to promote co-operation, peace and stability in the region. The Prime Minister commended Japanese assistance for projects in key sector like road, water and power generation and distribution. He asked Japan to extend its assistance in more infrastructure development projects particularly Karachi circular Railways, National Trade Corridor and construction of major dams.
The Prime Minister emphasised the need to increase bilateral trade and said an FTA will help in this respect. The Prime Minister thanked the government of Japan for providing assistance for the recovery of earthquake-affected areas. He also thanked the people of Japan for sending relief goods and donations for the people of these areas. Mr Atsushi Hatakenaka appreciated the high growth and economic recovery achieved by Pakistan. He particularly commended the government for its reform agenda that has resulted in significant improvement in the country.
He said Japan is Pakistan's development partner and it will continue to extend financial and technical assistance to Pakistan. Mr Atsushi Hatakenaka appreciated the National Trade Corridor (NTC) Plan and said Japan is keen to enhance its role in the programme. Minister of State for Economic Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar, Ambassador of Japan in Islamabad Mr Seiji Kojima and senior officials attended the meeting.
Comments
Comments are closed.