Setting up of Highway research & training centre to boost Pak-Japan ties
By Hina Kiyani

ISLAMABAD—Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and Government, of Pakistan, have signed agreement for establishing Pakistan's first Highway Research and Training Center (HR& TC).
The agreement was assigned Chairman, National Highway Authority Major General Farrukh Javed, Joint Secretary Ministry of Comrriumications Mr. Firdaus Alam, and JICA's Resident Director Mr. Ketao Kaibara, at Ministry of Communications here in Islamabad today.
The technical cooperation programme is scheduled to commence with the arrival of Japanese Experts in February 2007 to assist the Government of Pakistan in developing safe, durable, economical & environmental friendly network of roads. Speakirwg cm the occasion, Chairman NHA Major General Farrukh .J.-cved said that. Establishment of Research Centre would further cement friendly ties between Pakistan and Japan. He said that Japan was already providing Pakistan with valuable technical & financial assistance in the field of road construction and Famous Friendship Tunnel (Kohat) was great. manifestation of that mutual cooperation. He said JICA’s Technical Cooperation Programme would spread over five years and establish institutional framework and develop system of research and training for highway pavements, safety, environment, construction, maintenance and operations.