Islamabad: The President of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Dr. Tanaka Akihiko, met with Federal Minister for Planning, Development & Special Initiatives, Prof. Ahsan Iqbal, to explore deepening development cooperation between Pakistan and Japan. Both parties discussed collaboration in key sectors such as infrastructure, human resource development, and sustainable economic growth, aligned with Pakistan’s URAAN 5Es Framework.

According to Press Information Department, Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal highlighted Japan’s ongoing support through its Official Development Assistance (ODA) and emphasized Japan’s role as a trusted development partner. The Minister briefed the delegation on Pakistan’s economic progress and the government’s commitment to fiscal discipline and investment-led growth.

Minister Iqbal elaborated on the URAAN Pakistan initiative, outlining its strategic focus on Exports, E-Pakistan, Environment & Climate Change, Energy & Infrastructure, and Equity & Empowerment. The discussion also touched upon the potential for a Pakistan-Japan Gandhara Tourism Corridor, aiming to boost cultural and religious exchanges.

JICA President Dr. Tanaka expressed support for Pakistan’s economic reforms and stressed the importance of coordinated efforts to develop impactful projects under the URAAN framework. He emphasized JICA’s commitment to contributing to Pakistan’s inclusive economic development and proposed establishing a mechanism for regular consultations to advance bilateral cooperation.