Mr. Yasushi Akahoshi, President of Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), accompanied by JETRO officials and HE Takashi Kurai, Ambassador for Japan to Pakistan, called on the Finance Minister Ishaq Dar this morning. Chairman BOI Miftah Ismail also attended this meeting.
The Finance Minister welcomed the delegation and noted that Pakistan has very old and established business and political relations with Japan. He apprised the delegation on the economic reform process undertaken by the government and that it was bearing fruit in the shape of revived interest of foreign investors in Pakistan and recognition from the international business community. The Finance Minister appreciated the Japanese investments in auto industry and invited Japanese companies to invest further in Pakistan. The Finance Minister appreciated the contribution of JETRO for brining Japanese investment in Pakistan.
President JETRO lauded government’s efforts on economic growth and development and congratulated on successful completion of the IMF program. He said that JETRO is encouraging Japanese investors and entrepreneurs to visit Pakistan for expansion of their business and that JETRO is holding a Japan Trade Fair in Karachi later this year. According to a JETRO survey, Japanese companies, for their future expansion plans of 1 to 2 years, rate Pakistan the highest among 20 countries/regions for investment.
Finance Minister informed the delegation that the investment climate in Pakistan has received a boost due to the significant improvement in law and order condition in the country. He said that Pakistan has abolished visa fees for Japanese businessmen and urged the Japanese government to remove its travel advisory for Pakistan so that bilateral business can be further facilitated. The Minister also informed that Pakistan would facilitate setting up of a Special Economic Zone for Japanese companies in Pakistan and urged JETRO to work with BOI to further explore this mutually beneficial opportunity.
Both sides agreed to work together to further increase bilateral trade and business. Senior officials of the FBR, Ministry of Commerce, EAD and Ministry of Finance attended the meeting.
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