ISLAMABAD: The Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica) on Saturday marked 70 years of its official development assistance to Pakistan with a captivating photo exhibition, showcasing the transformative impact of its projects across the country.

A statement issued here said the event, held at the White Gallery in Lok Virsa, Islamabad, drew government officials, development partners and key stakeholders to celebrate this milestone.

Jica’s journey in Pakistan began in 1954 with the training of Pakistani professionals in Japan. Over the decades, the agency had championed initiatives in education, healthcare, disaster management and infrastructure development, including roads and electricity networks.

The exhibition highlighted these successes through powerful images that illustrate the partnership’s impact on communities nationwide.

Speaking at the inauguration, Jica’s chief representative in Pakistan Naoaki Miyata emphasised the organisation’s dedication to fostering sustainable development.

“Building reciprocal relationships through continuous dialogue with partner countries to create solutions is a strong tradition of Japan’s cooperation,” he said.

“By leveraging this tradition, Jica is ready to advance co-creation among stakeholders for a better future for Pakistan,” he added.

Shuichi Takano, who is charge d’affaires at the Japanese embassy, reiterated Japan’s commitment to Pakistan. “We aim to create social values together through dialogue and cooperation. Japan will continue to collaborate with Pakistan in realising its vast potential,” he said.

The event featured photographs capturing Jica’s wide-ranging contributions, each image narrating a story of partnership and progress.

Distinguished guests, including Secretary of the Ministry of Economic Affairs Dr Kazim Niaz commended Jica’s role in addressing Pakistan’s development challenges and stressed the need for continued collaboration and innovation.

The exhibition will remain open to the public till December 8, providing visitors an opportunity to explore the rich history of JICA’s contributions to Pakistan and inspire future development efforts.

Published in Dawn, December 8th, 2024