PM Shehbaz seeks enhanced JICA collaboration in minerals, skills, SME development

Islamabad (Web Desk): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday welcomed the Japan International Cooperation Agency’s (JICA) technical assistance for Pakistan’s minerals sector, describing the industry’s development as one of the government’s top priorities.

The prime minister made the remarks while meeting a nine-member JICA delegation, headed by its President Dr Tanaka Akihiko, at the Prime Minister’s House.

During the meeting, PM Shehbaz said Pakistan deeply values its enduring relationship with Japan and JICA, noting that the partnership has continued for more than seven decades.

He expressed optimism that Dr Tanaka’s visit would inject fresh momentum into bilateral ties and pave the way for closer cooperation.

The premier said Pakistan had successfully emerged from a period of serious economic difficulties through collective efforts and was now implementing wide-ranging reforms aimed at securing lasting economic stability and growth.

He pointed out that government revenues had doubled over the past three years, calling it a reflection of the administration’s reform agenda.

PM Shehbaz also stressed that equipping young people with modern skills, expanding technical and vocational education, creating respectable employment opportunities, and promoting women’s empowerment remain central pillars of the government’s development strategy.

Referring to reforms in the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA), the prime minister said the institution had been transformed into a more proactive and efficient organisation dedicated to strengthening small and medium-sized businesses.

He added that JICA’s partnership with SMEDA would play a significant role in expanding the SME sector and increasing Pakistan’s export potential.

The prime minister also conveyed his sympathies to the JICA president over the recent earthquake in Japan that resulted in the loss of many lives.

Dr Tanaka thanked PM Shehbaz for his message of condolence and acknowledged the long-standing cooperation between Pakistan and JICA.

He said the agency was prepared to broaden its engagement with Pakistan in several fields, including healthcare, education, urban and rural development, vocational and technical training, and industrial growth.

The JICA delegation further stated that future cooperation would be aligned with the development priorities identified by Pakistan’s federal and provincial governments.

Dr Tanaka also observed that Japan, together with the international community, recognises and appreciates Pakistan’s leadership and efforts in promoting peace across the Middle East.

The meeting was attended by Federal Ministers Ahsan Iqbal, Ahad Khan Cheema, Dr Musadik Masood Malik, Hanif Abbasi, Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari and Shaza Fatima Khawaja, alongside Special Assistants to the Prime Minister Syed Tariq Fatemi and Haroon Akhtar, as well as senior officials from relevant government departments.