Islamabad: January 25, 2021

Japan committed to provide JPY 1.986 billion (PKR 3.078 billion) grant assistance for Installation of Weather Surveillance Radar in Sukkur The Federal Minister for Economic Affairs, Makhdum Khusro Bakhtyar witnessed the signing ceremony of Japanese grant assistance of JPY 1.986 billion (PKR 3.078 billion) for installation of Weather Surveillance Radar at Sukkur. This project will help delivery of reliable and timely meteorological services to prevent the damage to life and property caused by disasters. The grant agreement was signed by Mr. Noor Ahmad, Secretary EAD and H.E. Mr. Matsuda Kuninori, Ambassador of Japan on behalf of their Governments today on January 25, 2021. Talking on the occasion, Secretary EAD expressed that Pakistan values the reciprocal and congenial relations with Japan and both countries share mutual stance on most of the regional and international affairs. Japanese economic assistance has played and shall continue to play a vital role in the socio-economic uplift of Pakistan. He also appreciated the earlier assistance extended by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for installation of the Weather Surveillance Radars in Karachi, Islamabad & Multan and establishment of Specialized Medium Range Weather Forecasting Centre (SMRFC). He acknowledged Japan as a proactive development partner who has always helped Pakistan during any emergency such as Polio and COVID-19 outbreak. The Japanese Ambassador apprised that disaster management is one of its priority areas as both the countries are prone to natural disasters with frequent episodes of floods, earthquakes, storms, landslides and heavy rains. Japan with its experience and technical expertise is glad to assist Pakistan, especially for disaster risk reduction, to save lives and properties of people. Apart from these projects, Japan regularly offers fully-funded training courses and masters/doctorate programs including Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), Leaders Capacity Development and Human Resource Development to strengthen disaster management in Pakistan. The Minister for Economic Affairs appreciated the Government and the Peoples of Japan for their continued support. He assured the Japanese-side of extending all necessary facilitation for more meaningful and enhanced cooperation between the two sides in future.