By Afshan Lalani
Pakistan and Japan have a long history of friendly relations. The year 2022 will mark 70 years of Diplomatic Relation between the two.
Pakistan offers immense opportunities for trade and investments to the Japanese businessmen as the Government is seeking all possible avenues to ensure ease of doing business and provide level playing field to them. This was mentioned by the President of Pakistan, H.E. Dr Arif Alvi while addressing an event marking the 20th anniversary of the founding of Pakistan Japan Business Forum (PJBF). He said that Pakistan fought vigorously against terrorism which no other country has and stood with high human values after achieving peace and stability. The world is now also recognizing Pakistan’s economic importance. He said that the country’s IT exports had increased significantly during the last six months ending in December 2020. Pakistan ranked fourth across the globe for availability of freelancers.
Highlighting the importance of Pak-Japan business relations, the President stated that both countries are tied-up with mutual confidence and cooperate with each other in many areas. He pointed towards Pakistan’s Human and natural resources which if properly and jointly utilized can make the trade volume jump multiple times. Japan is recognized for its discipline and for its technological advancement. Pakistani youth is also admired for these qualities and in future, large number of Pakistan skill force will get employment opportunities in Japan.
Speaking on the occasion, Japanese Ambassador, His Excellency Mr. Kuninori Matsuda said that Japan has recently provided financial resources for upgrading the Korangi Fish Harbor and intend to provide more such assistance fir it. Both the countries had a long history of Bilateral relations. Infrastructure, Human security, health care and disaster management are areas where Japan aims to further invest.
Chairman and CEO, Mr. Kalim Farooqui highlighted on the Vision of the forum in which exhibitions, conferences, and multilateral steps for enhancement of business are initiated. Pakistan and Japan signed a memorandum of cooperation aimed at paving the way for skilled Pakistani workers to work in Japan.
Mementos were presented to the Chief Guest and the Patron in Chief of PJBF. Besides business, the establishment of Pakistan Japan Business forum is equally important for creating a bridge between the business communities and the governments of both countries. It has significantly contributed towards the removal of impediments standing in the way of trade and investments.
