JBIC team assures assistance for quake victims
By Asad Cheema

ISLAMABAD—A two-member team of Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) comprising Mr. Nokata, Director and Naoya Ochi, Bank’s representative in Pakistan had a meeting with Dr. Salman Shah Adviser to PM on Finance and Economic Affairs here Monday.
The Japanese team expressed deep condolence over the earthquake disaster in Pakistan and assured its assistance for immediate relief efforts and rehabilitation of the quake victims.
The meeting reviewed the progress and flow of funds and assistance required on urgent basis to save the victims from the fast approaching chilly weather.
The requirement in the long term for reconstruction of infrastructure, roads, schools, housing and sanitation was also discussed. The Japanese bank is participating in the relief efforts along with other development partners.
Thanking the support of Japanese Government and its people for the earthquake victims, Dr. Salman Shah stated that the catastrophe has affected a huge population and area.
The relief operation is in full swing with the cooperation of international agencies as well as by mobilizing domestic resources.
The early phase of six months is very crucial for us to avert another catastrophe; we must provide temporary shelter to all the victims to save them from cold winter and snow, he added.
Replying a question about immediate requirement of funds Dr. Shah stated that Pakistan urgently needs at least US $ 2 billion to provide relief items including food, medical facilities, sanitation as well as temporary shelters.
We are hopeful to have an initial damage assessment report from WB and ADB in the second week of November.
The UN and other development partners have extended tremendous help for immediate relief but for the reconstruction phase the requirement of finances are even greater.
We will continue with the ongoing community and infrastructure development programmes run by different development partners in NWFP and AJK for poverty reduction and to improve the living standard of the masses.
In the longer term we intend to improve the economy by value addition in the agriculture and livestock sectors with latest technologies, Dr. Salman Shah maintained.
The Japanese Bank assured its help for all the viable projects in different sectors.