National News

ISLAMABAD, (APP): Finance Minister, Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar
met Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) delegation, headed by its Vice-President,Yasushi Kanzaki on the sidelines of the ADB’s Annual Board of Governors Meeting in Frankfurt.
The Finance Minister appreciated the Government of Japan
/ JICA for their continued support for economic development of
Pakistan.
He expressed gratitude for Government of Japan’s
financial assistance which stands at US$ 1.4 Billion,
according to a message received here on Thursday.
The Minister also thanked the Japanese delegation for
Japan’s contribution of US$ 50 million during 2014-15 and
further commitment of US$ 43 million (approx) for 2015-16 for
Energy Sector reforms Programme (II).
He informed the Japanese side that Karachi Circular
Railway is a project of national importance and urged Mr.
Kanzaki to expedite action for providing firm commitment for
funding the project.
Ishaq Dar expressed his desire for enhancing the level
of economic cooperation between the two countries.
The JICA delegation reciprocated the intention of
enhancing the level of bilateral cooperation.
Matters relating to ongoing projects being funded by
JICA in Pakistan also came under discussion. It was noted that
these projects were making satisfactory progress.
Secretary EAD, Tariq Bajwa and other members of
Pakistan’s delegation also attended the meeting.