Pakistan and Japan have signed a grant agreement under which Japan will provide 2.58 billion Japanese yen to support a flood protection project in Sindh.
According to the Ministry of Economic Affairs, the Japanese grant is worth approximately $16.4 million and will focus on strengthening flood protection infrastructure and improving the ability of vulnerable communities to cope with natural disasters.
The project aims to strengthen flood protection infrastructure in Sindh, particularly in areas vulnerable to flooding and other natural disasters.
It is also designed to increase the capacity of flood-prone populations to prepare for and respond to natural disasters, helping communities improve their resilience against future emergencies.
A key component of the project will be the improvement and strengthening of the Old Abad Dam, located on the right bank of the Indus River in Larkana.
Grant agreement signed in Islamabad
The grant agreement was signed in Islamabad by Economic Affairs Additional Secretary Sabina Qureshi and Senior Representative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Sugawara Takayuki.
The agreement formalises Japan’s financial assistance for the flood protection project and its implementation in Sindh.
The Exchange of Notes and Record of Discussion were also signed at the ceremony by Secretary Economic Affairs Muhammad Hamir Karim and Japanese Ambassador Akamatsu Shuichi.
Pakistan appreciates Japan’s development support
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Economic Affairs Secretary Muhammad Hamir Karim described Japan as a long-standing and valued development partner of Pakistan.
He said Japan’s continued friendship and generous development assistance were valuable to Pakistan and appreciated Tokyo’s enduring commitment to the country’s socio-economic development.
Karim also welcomed the latest support for strengthening flood protection infrastructure in Sindh, saying the project would contribute to protecting vulnerable communities from natural disasters.
Japan vows to strengthen bilateral cooperation
Japanese Ambassador Akamatsu Shuichi reiterated Japan’s commitment to further strengthening friendly relations and bilateral cooperation with Pakistan.
He reaffirmed Japan’s support for Pakistan’s development and highlighted the importance of continued cooperation between the two countries.
The latest grant adds to Japan’s long-standing development partnership with Pakistan, particularly in projects aimed at improving infrastructure and supporting socio-economic development.
