Taro Honda, Parliamentary Vice Minister (PVM), Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Government of Japan and Member, The House of Representatives made a brief stop in Karachi on his way to Islamabad. He visited the office of Pakistan Japan Business Forum (PJBF) in order to get an overall view of the business activities between Pakistan and Japan. Welcoming him, Kalim Farooqui, Chairman PJBF briefed him about the historical relations between the two friendly countries which celebrate 70 years of diplomatic relations this year.
He further briefed the visiting Vice Minister about the help that Japan has been extending in the development of infrastructure projects in Pakistan by way of state credits and also outright grants in the social sectors such as health and education.
Present at the meeting were the Senior Vice Chairman, Tetsuya Suematsu, Secretary General Murtaza Mandviwalla, Director Kazuteru Mihara who also heads the Japanese Association of Commerce & Industry in Pakistan (JACI). Also invited to interact with the visiting dignitary were Director Generals of Board of Investment, Jamil Qureshi and Athar Khokhar of Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP). Included in the PVM’s entourage were Toshio Odagiri, Consul General in Karachi, Yuji Tokita & Keiko Ikemoto, Director and Assistant Director International Cooperation Bureau, Shugo Ito, 2nd Secretary Embassy of Japan and Machi Saito, Economic Counselor.
The vice Minister was informed about the investments by Japan in the private sector and the trade between the two countries. Kalim Farooqui stressed upon the fact that Pakistan has immense potential with huge natural and human resources which can be exploited for the mutual benefit of both countries and towards which PJBF is acting as a bridge between the two governments and the business communities. Pakistan should be considered by Japan as a potential destiny for trade and investments. Of special concern conveyed were the dismal trade figures and that too heavily in favor of Japan.
The visiting PVM was conveyed the desire of the Pakistani business community to enter into joint ventures for both trade and investments and towards which the government of Pakistan is prepared to facilitate such arrangements giving it a priority.
Taro Honda in his response appreciated all who spoke and made him aware about the impediments and issues facing the business communities of both Japan and Pakistan. He assured of discussing and conveying the same in his meetings in Islamabad and thereafter to relevant authorities on his return to Japan.
In his concluding remarks, Kalim Farooqui requested him to pursue his Prime Minster for a visit to Pakistan accompanied by business leaders of Japan which is long overdue. Such a visit will go a long way towards a better and improved economic relation between Pakistan and Japan. The meeting ended with usual pleasantries and exchange of souvenirs.
