Japan to give $200 million for sectoral uplift

ISLAMABAD (September 21 2004): Japan has assured Pakistan of financial assistance of nearly $200 million for sectoral development. The Japanese government has asked Pakistan to forward water and power and communication projects in this regard.

The assurance of financial assistance was given by the Japanese delegation which visited Pakistan last week, official sources said here on Monday.

The government is preparing feasibility report of these projects, which will be submitted to another Japanese delegation to visit Pakistan next month, sources said.

According to sources, the financial assistance would be announced during Foreign Minister Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri's visit to Japan.

Sources said that environmental issues will have to be taken care of while formulating these projects. Projects having negative impact on the environment would be not financed, they added.

According to economic pundits, the assistance would further strengthen bilateral relations between Pakistan and Japan.


Copyright Business Recorder, 2004