ISLAMABAD: The Japanese government has provided a grant of $8.9 million to Pakistan through Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica) to further strengthen training facilities on power grid operations.

Jica Representative in Pakistan Kenji Ogasahara told media on Friday that the bilateral agreements had already been signed in this regard between the two countries.

“The project for strengthening training centre on grid system operations and maintenance would support Technical Service Group (TSG) of National Transmission and Despatch Company (NTDC) to develop training courses with Japanese advanced and efficient technology by strengthening their training facilities, including installation of a training purpose simulator.

Ogasahara said the equipment to be installed included installation of Grid Training Simulator, Protection Relay System and spare parts etc at a two-storey Grid Training Simulator Building. The construction of building and installation of equipment would be completed in February 2018.

Jica Chief Representative Tojo while commenting on the significance of the project said “Jica will continue its support to Pakistan’s energy sector for the development of both its infrastructure and human resources closely paying attention to the needs of the Government of Pakistan and in cooperation with the international community.”