Press release

celebration of the full opening of Mehran Highway Phase-1 & 2

PRESS RELEASE N0: JPNEMPAK 14-04

Islamabad: 30 January 2014

The Government of Japan, the Government of Sindh and the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) celebrated the full opening of Mehran Highway Phase-1 & 2 in eastern Karachi today.

About 7 kilometers of the road were recently completed in Phase-1 (Part-III) and Phase-2. Combined with the earlier parts of Phase-1 which were funded by the Government of Sindh and KMC, this road now provides a full link between Hospital Chowrangi and Port Qasim Road for about 10 kilometers. The newly opened part of the Highway cost approximately Rs. 573 million, funded from Japan's Counter Value Fund (CVF). CVF is a pool development fund which is deposited by the local sales of imported goods procured under Japan’s Non-Project Grant Aid.

At the inauguration ceremony held at Toyota Indus Motor Ltd, Mr. Takashi Katae, Minister and Deputy Chief of Mission of the Embassy of Japan in Islamabad, described Mehran Highway as a “joint effort” between Japan and Pakistan. He showed his appreciation to Sindh Province, KMC and the Federal government authorities including the Board of Investment (BoI) for their cooperation in this project.

Mr. Katae expressed his hope that this area would become an international production hub by offering seaport access to neighboring countries. He also hoped that Mehran Highway will facilitate economic activities in this area and stimulate further investment to Karachi by overseas and local companies.”

The Highway is designed not only to enable smooth and on-time movement of goods and people in the surrounding areas by reducing congestion on the National Highway No.5, but also to improve security during the night with streets lights. Areas around Port Qasim and the Karachi Export Processing Zone (KEPZ) have experienced rapid industrial and commercial growth in the last decade. Therefore, there has been a high demand for efficient road connection for a long time.

Joint efforts between Japan and Pakistan will continue in this regard. CVF funded construction of Mehran Highway Phase-3 will start soon by the Port Qasim Authority (PQA). Phase-3 is planned to build a road connection between Port Qasim Road and Pak Steel Road. (End)

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