The Embassy of Pakistan in Tokyo, in collaboration with the Asia Web3 Alliance Japan (AWAJ), organized a Pakistan–Japan startup and innovation event to promote cooperation in artificial intelligence (AI), Web3, digital technologies and entrepreneurship. The event brought together representatives from government, industry, technology companies, investors and the startup ecosystem of both countries.
Delivering the keynote address, Mr. Abdul Hameed, Ambassador of Pakistan to Japan, highlighted the growing importance of technology and innovation in Pakistan–Japan economic relations. He emphasized Pakistan's expanding digital economy, skilled technology workforce and entrepreneurial potential, and called for stronger partnerships between institutions, companies, investors and startup communities of the two countries.
The keynote presentation, "Creating the Digital Future: Startup Co-Creation in the AI & Web3 Era," was delivered by Mr. Hideto Kawasaki, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Digital Affairs, Japan. He outlined Japan's vision for digital transformation, including policy developments relating to AI, Web3, trusted cross-border data flows and digital innovation. Highlighting the complementary strengths of Japan's technology and innovation ecosystem and Pakistan's growing digital talent, he encouraged closer collaboration between startups, technology companies and innovation institutions in both countries, and called for working together to build a new "Digital Silk Road" through innovation and emerging technologies.
Mr. Zarrar Hasham Khan, Secretary, Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication, Government of Pakistan, delivered a presentation under the Ministry's Tech Destination Pakistan initiative, highlighting Pakistan's technology talent pool, growing startup ecosystem and opportunities to strengthen Pakistan–Japan cooperation in digital innovation. He emphasized that Pakistan's greatest competitive advantage lies in its young and highly skilled digital workforce and encouraged greater collaboration between the two countries in technology, innovation and entrepreneurship.
The programme concluded with a panel discussion on "Building Pakistan–Japan Startup and Innovation Ecosystem Partnerships," featuring Mr. Jonathan T., 500 Global Mentor, Venture Capital Advisor and Startup Accelerator Programme Leader, and Ms. Tomoko Takasaki, Head of Web3 Innovation Platform at Ibex Japan KK and Senior Manager at Antler Ibex. The discussion was moderated by Ms. Hinza Asif, President of the Asia Web3 Alliance Japan.
The panel focused on investor readiness, cross-cultural communication and market entry strategies for Pakistani startups seeking to engage with Japan. Discussions also highlighted the role of accelerator programmes such as the AI Founder Programme, practical approaches to connecting Pakistani founders with Japanese investors and industry partners, and the importance of closer international cooperation on AI governance, data security and regulatory frameworks.
The Embassy encouraged Pakistani startups, technology companies, universities, business associations and relevant public institutions to engage proactively with Japan's innovation ecosystem by strengthening investor readiness, participating in accelerator programmes and developing partnerships aligned with Japanese market requirements.
The Embassy of Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to facilitating technology partnerships, startup linkages and innovation-led economic cooperation. It looks forward to working with public and private sector stakeholders in both countries to translate these discussions into concrete partnerships, investment opportunities and long-term collaboration in innovation and digital technologies.
