Japan plans to launch a project of human resource exchange with Pakistan under which the Japanese labour market will be opened for the highly skilled Pakistanis.
This was stated by Ambassador of Japan Kuninori Matsuda who called on Minister for Finance and Revenue ShaukatTarin in Islamabad on Wednesday. Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Finance and Revenue Dr Waqar Masood was also present during the meeting.
Ambassador Matsuda said this will provide job opportunities in Japan to Pakistanis, especially in the areas of Information Technology and Science & Technology.
Finance Minister Shaukat Tarin appreciated and welcomed the Japanese initiative and suggested strong and close Japanese collaboration with the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis as well as Overseas Employment Corporation.
While extending a warm welcome to ambassador Matsuda, Shaukat stated that Pakistan and Japan have been enjoying strong friendly relations since 1952 which have been getting stronger with each passing day.
The minister lauded the cooperation extended by the government of Japan to Pakistan in the fields of education and infrastructure development.
He said that Japan is one of the major development partners of Pakistan and he firmly believes that the cooperation will further strengthen in multiple fields for the mutual benefit of both the countries.
The ambassador congratulated Shaukat on assuming responsibilities as finance minister on behalf of Japan Finance Minister Taro Aso.
Shaukat gave a brief overview of the economy to the ambassador.
Ambassador Matsuda said that Japan greatly values its bilateral relations with Pakistan. He briefed the minister about operations of the Japanese entities in Pakistan and expressed the confidence that business and economic linkages would further strengthen between the two countries.
They reviewed the entire spectrum of business and investment relations and identified areas for further strengthening and expanding economic cooperation.
The ambassador apprised the minister that Japan has been focusing on developing a strong export base in Pakistan. For the purpose, Japan is looking beyond the traditional sectors of textiles and automobiles. Japan explores opportunities of investing in food processing, fishing and agriculture.
Finance Minister Shaukat welcomed the Japanese initiatives and assured of government’s fullest support for the purpose. He opined that goods manufactured in SEZs should be exported.
The minister also touched upon the new auto policy which has offered incentives to the new investors and will have a far reaching impact on the development of the auto industry in Pakistan.
With the introduction of the new Auto Policy, Japan has the opportunity to further its investments in the sector which in turn will be beneficial for both the countries, he added.
Shaukat said that he wants that Pakistan may be able to generate exportable surplus in spare parts, so new investment will prove to be lucrative for both the countries.
The ambassador praised the new auto policy and stated that the Japanese businesses were encouraged by the incentives provided under the policy. Finance Minister invited the Japanese firms to start exporting automobiles from Pakistan.
Minister Shaukat also thanked the Japanese government for debt relief under the second phase of G-20’s Debt Service Suspension Initiative (DSSI). He assured the ambassador of his full support in improving the trade and economic relations between the countries.
