Possible Japanese cooperation: JICA collecting data on roads, railway tracks, ports

Shozo Kawasaki, leader of a delegation of Japan International Co-operation Agency (JICA), has said that on the directive of Japanese government the agency was collecting data of roads, railway tracks and ports to prepare a report for possible co-operation in these sectors by Japan in future.
Speaking at a meeting of Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) here on Thursday, he said that the purpose of his visit of KCCI was to get feedback as well as ideas in which sector Japan could assist Pakistan, which should be helpful for Afghanistan too. He said that Japan is interested in Pakistan privatisation programme of railway, improving railway and roads' networks.
He said that after getting the report Japanese government would consider in which sector it can assist and take part in development work. The study would also explore as to how Japan could cooperate with Pakistan, which should be beneficial for both Pakistan and Afghanistan in road and railway sector, he added.
He said that ports in Pakistan are not meant for Pakistan only. They are beneficial for Pakistan and Afghanistan besides being gateway to central Asian countries President, KCCI, Abdul Majyd Haji Muhammad said that Pakistan railway network is outdated and it needs massive investment for improvement. He further said after independence the railway system was not properly developed due to paucity of funds. Besides railway, he said, there is a dire need of improvement in road networks.