Alvi stresses need for deepening ties with Japan

Asks Japanese firms to take benefit of business-friendly environment

ISLAMABAD:

Pakistan offers immense business opportunities and Japanese firms should benefit from the business-friendly environment in various areas of economy, especially in agriculture, automobile, textile, information technology and energy sectors, said President Arif Alvi.

Speaking to outgoing Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan Kuninori Matsuda on Monday, the president said that Islamabad attached great importance to its bilateral ties with Tokyo and expressed the desire to deepen cooperation.

“Prospects are good for strengthening bilateral relations in various fields,” he said.

He underscored the need for increasing cooperation in skills and human resources development.

Recalling his visit to Japan in October 2019, the president added that he held fruitful discussions with the leadership of Japan.

Alvi also appreciated the role of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) as well as Japanese companies, which contributed to the development of Pakistan.

The president congratulated the ambassador on the successful completion of his tenure in Pakistan and appreciated his efforts to further solidify Pakistan-Japan relations.

He also welcomed the decision of the government of Japan to include Pakistan in the JDS Scholarship Programme under which 20 students from the country would be given the opportunity to take part in graduate courses in Japanese universities.

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The president said that Islamabad and Tokyo enjoyed excellent relations and both countries needed to further improve their ties in the areas of mutual interest.

On the occasion, the ambassador pointed out that Pakistan was a major exporter of fish and agricultural products including rice, dates, sesame, mango, guar gum, shrimp and salt to Japan.

He told the president that Toyota would invest $100 million to produce most advanced hybrid cars in Pakistan, besides supporting companies for the manufacturing of auto parts.

He stated that Japan would host Osaka 2025 Expo and invited Pakistani enterprises to take part in the event. “Year 2022 would mark the 70th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Japan,” he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 19^th, 2021.

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