Japan, Pakistan look to boost mutual cooperation

Economic counselor says Japan willing to invest in diverse sectors of Pakistani economy

RAWALPINDI: Japan will provide Pakistan with technical assistance and facilitate interaction between the business communities of both countries in a bid to boost bilateral trade, said Economic Counselor of Japanese embassy Takashi Harada.

He expressed these views while talking to Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce (RCCI) President Mian Humayun Parvez on Thursday.



Takashi was accompanied by Shunichi Amada, RCCI Vice-President Muhammad Aqil Obaid and Secretary General Irfan Manan.

“Japanese companies are already working in health, education, infrastructure and energy sectors,” said Takashi, “Bilateral business ties can further enhance given Pakistan’s trade potential.

“With active engagement, traders can access international markets, including Afghanistan, Central Asian States, China, India, and Russia,” he said.



“Japan is willing to transfer technology to Pakistan. We will explore more areas of investment, including the energy, infrastructure and consumer goods.”

Noting the current trade volume between Pakistan and Japan to be around $2 billion, Parvez suggested taking composite measures to boost business activities.

“Japan is one of the world’s largest textile importers,” said Parvez. “Our manufacturers and traders can certainly benefit from this opportunity.



“Japan International Cooperation Agency can play an important role in bridging the gap between both countries. We will coordinate with them to promote direct interaction. This includes expediting business visa processing, trade delegations, fairs and exhibitions, organising a ‘Japan Day’ and arranging local visits to the industrial zones.”

Published in The Express Tribune, December 4^th, 2015.

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