H.E. Mr. Takashi Kurai, Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan called
on Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi today at Islamabad.
Prime Minister said that Pakistan regards Japan as a close
friend and a reliable economic partner. Prime Minister highlighted the
significant improvement in the economic and security environment of Pakistan
and attributed it to the successful law enforcement operations against
terrorist groups.
Emphasizing on bilateral relations, Prime Minister said that
Pakistan looks forward to greater level of cooperation between the two
countries particularly in the areas of trade, investment, infrastructure,
energy and people to people contact. Prime Minister stated that Japan may
consider a 3-4 year exception for Pakistani textiles under Temporary Tariff
Measures to bring Pakistan at par with its competitors which enjoy free access
to Japanese market.
Prime Minister also welcomed companies from Japan to invest in
Pakistan that would enhance the capacity of Pakistan industrial sector to
produce value added goods.
Ambassador of Japan appreciated Pakistan’s economic growth and
stated that Pakistan’s perception particularly in Japan has changed to a
business-friendly country. The Ambassador further added that Japan gives
importance to investment security, infrastructure and business friendly
environment and in all three aspects Pakistan has achieved marked improvement.
******