The civilian aid package that Japan is crafting to replace the Maritime Self-Defense Force's antiterrorism refueling mission in the Indian Ocean could see Afghanistan receive roughly $4 billion over five years.
According to an outline of the program obtained Tuesday, much of the aid would fund vocational training for former Taliban fighters, development of farmland in the war-ravaged country and a project to construct a new city north of Kabul.
The government wants to make a formal decision on the package before U.S. President Barack Obama comes to Tokyo next week.