LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif met Akihiko Tanaka, president of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), along with his delegation to discuss ongoing development projects in Punjab and ways to strengthen future cooperation.
The chief minister welcomed the JICA delegation to Lahore. The meeting reviewed ongoing JICA-supported development projects in Punjab, public welfare initiatives and opportunities for collaboration in priority sectors.
The two sides also reviewed progress on water supply projects in Faisalabad and agreed to expand cooperation in education, healthcare, nutrition, women’s empowerment and human resource development.
Nawaz expressed interest in extending the Faisalabad model for water supply, sanitation and urban infrastructure to other cities across Punjab with JICA’s support. She praised the agency’s contribution to maternal and child health, access to clean drinking water, quality education, gender equality and women’s empowerment. She added that the Punjab government is keen to further strengthen this partnership.
Nawaz said JICA’s support for Punjab’s development is commendable, adding that its cooperation in technology transfer, training and institutional reforms is highly valued. She also described education for girls and children in underserved areas as one of the provincial government’s top priorities.
During the meeting, Tanaka said JICA remains committed to further strengthening cooperation with the Punjab government in education, healthcare, women’s empowerment and human resource development.
