Pakistan welcomes Japanese bank's interest in Reko Diq mining project

Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik on Thursday welcomed the Japan Bank for International Cooperation’s (JBIC) interest in Pakistan’s landmark Reko Diq mining project, calling it a significant step toward deepening bilateral cooperation in the mining and energy sectors.

The announcement came during a meeting in Islamabad between the minister and a JBIC delegation led by Taro Kato, Director General of Mining and Metals Finance, the ministry reported.

Minister Malik expressed appreciation for Japan’s confidence in Pakistan’s economic potential. “The mining sector has seen remarkable progress, and we are committed to making it a pillar of our economy,” he said.

He assured the JBIC delegation of full support from both federal and provincial governments, emphasizing that the Reko Diq project would serve as a benchmark for responsible and sustainable mining practices in Pakistan.

Malik also highlighted the government’s broader agenda to streamline the regulatory framework and attract international investment, positioning Pakistan as a top destination for global mining and energy ventures.

Taro Kato noted increasing interest from Japanese investors in Pakistan and expressed JBIC’s willingness to expand cooperation beyond mining into the wider energy sector.

Kenichiro Kitamura, JBIC’s Chief Representative for the Middle East, said that high-level engagements like this would enhance Japanese investor confidence, build trust, and lay the foundation for mutually beneficial partnerships.

The meeting concluded with both sides reaffirming their commitment to close collaboration, aiming to leverage Japan’s financial and technological expertise to unlock Pakistan’s natural resource potential.