Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Cheema has invited Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to consider co-financing of Main Line-1 (ML-1) Railway project.

Talking to President of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Dr. Tanaka Akihiko in Islamabad, he highlighted that the Asian Development Bank and other development partners are already supporting the strategic initiative.

He emphasized that the modernization of ML-1 would strengthen Pakistan's transportation network, facilitate trade, improve industrial connectivity and contribute significantly to sustainable economic growth. In response, Dr. Tanaka acknowledged the importance of the project and stated that JICA would consider the proposal.

Both sides reaffirmed their shared commitment to further deepening Pakistan-Japan development cooperation and agreed to continue close engagement in identifying new opportunities for collaboration in infrastructure development, human resource development, digital transformation, tourism and other sectors of mutual interest, with the objective of promoting sustainable and inclusive economic growth in Pakistan.