Pakistan and Japanese government on Tuesday signed two agreements worth Rs 2.067 billion for the improvement of Kararo-Wad section of Karachi-Quetta-Chaman national highway and construction of Machinery Training Institute (CMTI). Joint Secretary for Ministry of Communication, Firdos Alam and Aratsu-Yuki from Japan International Co-operation Agency (JICA) inked the agreement, a press release said.

According to details, for 96-km Kraro-Wad road project the Japanese government would provide about Rs 2.0 billion. This is the part of ECO highway, which connects the seaport at Karachi with Quetta, Afghanistan Central Asian States (CAS).

The three-year project includes the widening and strengthening of road from Kararo to Wad. Under the two-lane road project, the existing drainage structures of the highway will be improved.

Besides infrastructure the Japanese government will also assist in human resource development in Pakistan for which it has established Construction Machinery Training Institute (CMTI) and will provide Rs 67 million for its improvement.

CMTI played a significant role in providing skilled operators and Mechanics and technically trained about 8066 persons who are serving in and outside the country.-PR

Copyright Business Recorder, 2005