Yousaf Raza Gilani calls for enhanced collaboration & investment between Pakistan & Japan

ISLAMABAD, August 29 (SABAH): Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani has said that Pakistan places significant importance to its relationship with Japan and we are eager to expand cooperation in areas of mutual benefit.

Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani expressed these views in a meeting with Wada Mitsuhiro, Ambassador of Japan at the Parliament House on Thursday. The Chairman Senate recognized Japan as a key development partner and said that both the countries enjoy cordial and friendly relations based on mutual respect and shared objectives of regional development. During the meeting, crucial aspects of the Pakistan-Japan relationship were discussed with an aim to further explore opportunities for enhanced collaboration. The meeting underscored Pakistan’s commitment to enhancing its partnership with Japan across various domains.

Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani during the meeting gave special acknowledgment to Japan’s support following the devastating floods in Pakistan in 2022.

Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani quoted Former Pakistani Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s visit to Japan from July 1-4, 2023, and his meetings with Japanese Foreign Minister Hayashi and Prime Minister highlight the robust bilateral engagement. He highlighted the significance of high-level diplomatic ties and said their interactions provide further direction and momentum to deepen ties in diverse sectors.

Chairman Senate said that the current bilateral trade volume stands at $1.27 billion, falling short of its potential. Both the countries are encouraged to work together to boost bilateral trade. Pakistan also highly values Japan International Cooperation Agency’s (JICA) development initiatives and seeks to establish visible flagship projects, he observed. He said that Japan remains a key investment partner, and Pakistan welcomes increased Japanese investment.

Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani has called on Japan to take an active role in the international effort to address the repatriation of Afghan refugees living in Pakistan. Gilani urged Japan, as a key international player, to support and contribute to the initiatives aimed at facilitating safe repatriation of refugees.

Gilani said that two nations have established various bilateral mechanisms for discussion, and informed the Ambassador of Japan that the Senate of Pakistan has established a Pak-Japan Friendship Group which will provide a suitable forum and should be regularly utilized to review and advance the relationship, emphasizing that regular parliamentary exchanges are deemed crucial for strengthening bilateral relations. Such visits enhance mutual understanding and promote people-to-people connections.

Chairman Senate lauded that encouraging progress has been made in exporting Pakistani manpower to Japan through Memoranda of Cooperation on the Technical Intern Training Program (TITP) and Specified Skilled Workers (SSW) Programs signed in 2019. He said that the 25,000-strong Pakistani diaspora in Japan plays a significant role, contributing to sectors such as used automobiles, carpet trade, and Halal food. This community remains a vital asset to the Japanese economy.

The meeting between Wada Mitsuhiro and the Chairman of the Senate highlights the ongoing efforts to strengthen the Pakistan-Japan partnership, emphasizing the need for increased collaboration and investment to fully realize the potential of this important bilateral relationship.