Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday met President of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Dr Akihiko Tanaka, who called on her along with a delegation.The chief minister warmly welcomed the JICA delegation on its arrival in Lahore. The meeting reviewed the progress of JICA-supported development projects in Punjab and discussed ways to further strengthen bilateral cooperation for public welfare.Both sides explored opportunities for collaboration in priority public sectors, including education, healthcare, women’s empowerment and human resource development. They also reviewed progress on the Faisalabad Water Supply Project and discussed future development initiatives between the Punjab government and JICA.Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz expressed keen interest in replicating the Faisalabad water supply, sanitation and urban infrastructure model in other cities of Punjab with JICA’s support. She also appreciated JICA’s contribution to maternal and child healthcare programmes in the province.The meeting underscored the importance of promoting education and bringing girls as well as children from underprivileged areas into schools. The chief minister paid tribute to JICA for its continued partnership and valuable contribution to Punjab’s development.Speaking on the occasion, Maryam Nawaz said the Punjab government highly valued JICA’s cooperation in the province’s development. She noted that JICA’s sustained support in water supply, healthcare, education, nutrition and women’s empowerment was commendable.
She further appreciated JICA’s assistance in technology transfer, professional training and institutional reforms aimed at strengthening governance and public service delivery.The chief minister said the Punjab government was keen to further expand its partnership with JICA to achieve sustainable development goals relating to clean water, gender equality, quality education, good health and adequate nutrition. She also acknowledged JICA’s efforts in promoting women’s development and creating decent employment opportunities in Punjab.JICA President Dr Akihiko Tanaka reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with Punjab in the fields of education, healthcare, women’s empowerment and human resource development.
