Japan has signed a grant agreement worth JPY326 million for the HR Development Scholarship Programme.
HR Development Scholarship Programme: Programme In a ceremony held in Islamabad, the governments of Pakistan and Japan sealed a significant grant agreement worth JPY 326 million ($2.1 million) to fortify the Human Resource Development Scholarship Programme (JDS) 2024.
Ambassador Mitsuhiro Wada of Japan to Pakistan and Dr. Kazim Niaz, Secretary of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, penned the Exchange of Notes (E/N) marking the commencement of this program. Simultaneously, Saeed Ashraf Siddiqi, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, and Miyata Naoaki, Chief Representative of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Pakistan Office, inked the Grant Agreement (G/A) for the said initiative.
The JDS initiative aims to bolster the social and economic fabric of Pakistan by enabling government officials to pursue Master’s or Doctoral degrees in Japan. This educational endeavor seeks to enrich their understanding of public administration while fostering stronger ties between Japan and Pakistan.
Under this program, participants will enroll in partner universities in Japan, immersing themselves in academic pursuits while acquainting themselves with Japanese culture and traditions.
This grant from Japan, facilitated through JICA, marks the seventh installment of the JDS project initiated in 2018. This year’s allocation will provide 17 scholarships for Master’s programs and one for a PhD/Doctorate program at esteemed Japanese universities, benefiting young Federal Civil Service and Ex-Cadre officers of Pakistan.
Over the years, six batches of approximately 18 participants each have benefited from the JDS scholarships, significantly enhancing the capabilities and contributions of young officers to Pakistan’s socio-economic landscape. Furthermore, Japan frequently extends invitations to Pakistani government officials for various short-term training courses, fostering mutual learning and collaboration.
Dr. Niaz extended heartfelt appreciation to Japan for its steadfast support, ensuring the seamless continuation of meaningful cooperation between the two nations.
Ambassador Wada and JICA Chief Miyata reiterated their commitment to closely collaborate with the government of Pakistan to strengthen bilateral relations and foster mutual growth.
Highlighting the project’s alignment with Pakistan Vision 2025, Ambassador Wada emphasized Japan’s recognition of the pivotal role of social and human capital development in addressing Pakistan’s development challenges.
Miyata, reflecting on Japan’s longstanding commitment to training programs, expressed hope that JDS fellows and past trainees would collectively contribute to Pakistan’s development and further enhance the enduring bond between Pakistan and Japan.
