Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed the Japanese Ambassador to collaborate on his new diplomatic assignment
LAHORE: This may come as a surprise to many but Pakistan and Japan, in fact, enjoy very cordial relations that are free from political tensions or topographical dilemmas. Japan is a partner of Pakistan in economic development and progress by providing financial and technical assistance in many sectors. There is room for further strengthening these close ties through increased trade relations and frequent exchange of delegations at the appropriate level for developing greater understanding and trust between the two amicable countries.
Sociable ties between Japan and Pakistan were highlighted when the new Japanese Ambassador to Pakistan, Takashi Korai communicated with Punjab Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif the other day. Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed the Japanese Ambassador to collaborate on his new diplomatic assignment, wished him well and asserted that Japan had made rapid progress in various sectors due to thorough commitment and hard work, and this was an example that Pakistan must emulate. He also acknowledged the cooperation which Japan is extending to the Punjab government for the improvement and development of education, health and urban facilities. The Chief Minister mentioned the espousal of a transparent investment policy by the provincial government and claimed that there are vast opportunities for greater investment in health, education and other sectors in the province and the investors are being provided all essential facilities to tackle the issues at hand.
Appreciating the good wishes extended by the Chief Minister, the Japanese Ambassador responded that his country is keen to further promote its ties with Pakistan; there was a need to transform the existing links between the two countries into economic cooperation, adding that Japan would be taking practical measures for this purpose.
The assurance given by the new Japanese Ambassador for expanding economic cooperation is indeed highly commendable and appreciable as Pakistan is toiling to make rapid progress and development in various fields, both at national and international levels.
Fact of the matter is that increased economic cooperation and technical assistance from an approachable country like Japan will go a long way in accelerating the pace of development and economic growth on national and provincial levels, ensuring a promising future for Pakistan.
Masroor Ahmad
Published in The Express Tribune, September 8th, 2016.
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