Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said Pakistan highly values its longstanding partnership with Japan.

He was talking to a delegation led by President of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Dr. Tanaka Akihiko in Islamabad.

Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan has overcome difficult economic challenges and the process of reforms is now progressing rapidly to achieve sustainable economic growth.

He said providing youth with skills, technical training and opportunities for dignified employment, as well as empowering women, remains a top priority of the government.

The Prime Minister said development of the minerals sector is among the government’s priorities and Pakistan welcomes JICA’s technical cooperation in this regard.

Shehbaz Sharif said reforms have been introduced in the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA), transforming it into an active and effective institution for the development and promotion of small and medium-sized businesses.

The JICA President said the international community, including Japan, appreciates Pakistan and its leadership’s efforts for peace in the Middle East.