Partnership: Trade talks with Japan at a standstill

Studies on developing legal framework for businesses under way.

FAISALABAD: Japanese Ambassador Hiroshi Inomata has said that Japan has signed formal trade agreements with several countries including the US, Australia, European Union, China and South Korea, but talks with Pakistan are at a standstill.

Speaking to members of the Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FCCI) on Friday, Inomata pointed out studies on developing a legal framework for viable and mutually beneficial businesses had been initiated and various companies were in the process of negotiating with the All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (Aptma). However, formal talks with the government of Pakistan have not yet commenced.



According to him, Japan is already cooperating with Pakistan in improving the irrigation system, processing of dry fruits and production of food crops in addition to providing assistance for the University of Agriculture Faisalabad.

Acknowledging the unique taste of Pakistani mangoes, the ambassador revealed that it was in great demand in Japan. “We have agreed on the import of Pakistani mangoes, but there are no treatment facilities in Karachi.”

Work on the treatment plant is in full swing and from next year mangoes could be exported to Japan, which would help in increasing Pakistan’s overall shipments to Tokyo.

Speaking about collaboration in the energy sector, Inomata said many Japanese companies were interested in providing coal-fired power technology to Pakistan, which would help in easing the impact of greenhouse gas emissions on the environment.

Some other Japanese companies have expressed interest in launching joint ventures in this field.

According to Inomata, 70 Japanese firms are doing business with Pakistan, but their presence is restricted to the big cities like Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad.



Discussing the investment in infrastructure development, he said Japan was already extending its loan facility for the Indus Highway.

Similarly, it is also assisting in the construction of Kohistan Tunnel and could help in improving the transport system.

FCCI President Engineer Rizwan Ashraf called Japan the pioneer of textile industry as its spindles had laid the foundation of one of Pakistan’s most dynamic sectors. He expressed the hope that like China, Japan would also look at Pakistan as an investment hub in the region.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 18^th, 2014.

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