Pakistan & Japan pledge to boost trade relations & collaboration in joint meeting

ISLAMABAD, April 01 (SABAH): In a significant meeting, Japanese Ambassador to Pakistan WADA Mitsuhiro and Federal Minister for Commerce, Mir Jam Kamal Khan, convened to discuss ways to strengthen trade relations and mutual trust between Japan and Pakistan.

During the meeting, Ambassador WADA Mitsuhiro congratulated Minister Jam Kamal Khan on his recent portfolio, expressing a commitment to enhancing bilateral ties. Notably, the ambassador extended an invitation to Pakistani businesses to participate in World Expo 2025 which is scheduled to be held in Osaka Japan in 2025 to promote economic cooperation. Despite the optimism, challenges faced by the Japanese business community in imports were brought to light by Ambassador WADA Mitsuhiro.

Mir Jam Kamal Khan responded by assuring government support to facilitate ease of doing business for local and international entrepreneurs. Emphasizing sustainable economic development, Minister Jam Kamal Khan highlighted key sectors such as automobile, steel, machinery, textiles, minerals, and IT HR for potential collaboration with Japan. Moreover, Minister Jam Kamal Khan disclosed the Ministry of Commerce’s comprehensive five-year plan aimed at streamlining business processes and attracting both local and foreign investors. Both dignitaries reaffirmed their commitment to fostering a balanced trade environment and strengthening the longstanding bilateral relations between Pakistan and Japan.

They also agreed to work towards enhancing the trade volume, which stood at $1.26 billion USD in 2022-23, according to sources from FBR and TDAS.

Meanwhile a delegation from the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI) met with Minister for Commerce Mir Jam Kamal Khan to address economic challenges through close collaboration. Led by Atif Ikram Sheikh, President of the FPCCI, the delegation held discussions with Federal Minister of Commerce Jam Kamal Khan on Monday to address pressing economic matters. During the meeting, the delegation congratulated the minister on his new appointment and pledged their full support towards collaborative efforts to address issues facing the business community.

Minister Jam Kamal Khan assured the FPCCI delegation of his commitment to addressing their concerns, emphasizing the importance of regular coordination meetings to facilitate smoother operations. Minister Jam Kamal Khan acknowledged the challenges faced by the business community, particularly in the areas of electricity and gas, and assured the delegation of his commitment to addressing these issues along with the rest.

The delegation highlighted the establishment of a think tank within the FPCCI, led by Former Commerce Minister Dr. Gohar Ejaz, aimed at shaping the vision for 2030 and requested close coordination with ministry departments for improved efficiency and ease of doing business. The minister appreciated the concept and extended full support. He assured the delegation of full support and promised to extend all facilitation.

Discussions also revolved around strategies to boost exports, with the minister reaffirming his intention to involve the delegation in ongoing efforts, emphasizing their collective role as a team.

Prominent figures within the delegation included Ghazanfar Bilour, former president of FPCCI, Karim Aziz Malik, Chairman, Malik Sohail Hussain, Chairman Coordination FPCCI, Zaki Ejaz, Vice President FPCCI, and Mian Zahid Hussain, Chairman FPCCI Budget Advisory Council.