News
Wednesday, July 07, 2010
Raisani thanks Japan for Rs 800m in aid
Staff Report
QUETTA: Balochistan Chief Minister Aslam Raisani on Tuesday thanked the Japanese government for extending a grant of Rs 800 million to the Balochistan government for the rehabilitation of Pasni fish harbour.
Raisani extended formal gratitude at a meeting with the Japanese Ambassador Chihiro Atsumi at the embassy of Japan.
He said the Japanese assistance was a goodwill gesture on the part of the people and the government of Japan for Balochistan. The chief minister said the government of Balochistan had been trying to arrange funding for the rehabilitation of the Pasni harbour built in 1989, which used to provide berthing and calling facilities to 3,500 vessels of various sizes and age. However, he added that with the passage of time, the harbour had started to silt up and gradually was reduced to only 20 percent of its actual capacity.
Raisani said the provincial government would utilise the funds for the procurement of a dredger, maintenance of and dredging of the harbour, and for extension and improvement of the breakwater.
The Japanese assistance came after the Balochistan chief minister made personal efforts last year, inviting donors for assistance in this project of a very vital nature for the people and the government of Balochistan.
Raisani said over 100,000 people had been employed one way or the other with the Pasni fish harbour and expressed hope that the rehabilitation of the harbour would boost the fishing industry in the area, aimed at benefiting the poor fishermen.
The chief minister also requested the ambassador to engage a Japanese firm, having expertise and state-of-the-art dredging and de-silting machinery and equipments for the rehabilitation and improvement of the Pasni fish harbour.
He offered all-possible assistance and the use of Pasni airport if any Japanese company showed interest in this regard.
Raisani also informed the Japanese ambassador about the abundance of mineral resources and seafood in Balochistan and invited the Japanese investors to explore the areas. The chief minister said the Balochistan government was planning to establish four modern-day fish harbours along the Balochistan coast at Surbandar, Pishukan, Daam and Sonmiani. The Japanese envoy expressed willingness to cooperate once the provincial government sent its formal proposals.
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk