Report by Irfan Siddiqi – Tokyo, Japan
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif is set to embark on a five-day official visit to Japan from August 17, following a special invitation extended by the Government of Japan. The visit is being hailed as a significant milestone in elevating bilateral relations between Pakistan and Japan to new heights.
According to official sources, the Japanese government is attaching great importance to this visit, with special arrangements being made for high-level meetings and collaborative initiatives. Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s itinerary includes engagements aimed at expanding economic cooperation, strengthening cultural ties, and exploring opportunities for long-term partnerships.
Investment Promotion in Punjab
A central highlight of the Chief Minister’s visit will be her address at a special Investment Conference in Japan, where she will outline her vision for boosting investment in Punjab. The conference will bring together prominent Japanese investors and business leaders, providing them with insights into the province’s vast investment potential in sectors such as trade, technology, education, agriculture, manufacturing, and infrastructure development.
Through this platform, Maryam Nawaz Sharif is expected to showcase Punjab as a secure, investor-friendly region offering sustainable opportunities and competitive advantages. Sources indicate that she will also discuss specific investment projects and incentives designed to attract Japanese companies to Punjab.
High-Level Bilateral Engagements
During her stay, the Chief Minister will hold meetings with top Japanese government officials, policymakers, and business executives to discuss strategies for enhancing cooperation. Key areas of focus will include technology transfer, agricultural innovation, skill development programs, renewable energy projects, and bilateral trade expansion.
These discussions are expected to result in new frameworks for collaboration that align with both Pakistan’s development priorities and Japan’s technological expertise.
Participation in Expo Osaka 2025
Maryam Nawaz Sharif will also attend Expo Osaka 2025, where she will visit the Pakistan Pavilion. The pavilion, showcasing Pakistan’s culture, industry, and innovation, has already drawn over one million visitors since its opening, becoming a major attraction for Japanese and international audiences alike.
Her visit to the expo will serve as a platform to further promote Pakistan’s cultural heritage and industrial capabilities, strengthening the country’s image globally. The event is anticipated to boost interest in Pakistani products, crafts, and tourism among Japanese citizens and other international participants.
Positive International Reception
Japanese Ambassador to Pakistan, Akamatsu Shuichi, has described the upcoming visit as a “significant milestone” in strengthening Pakistan–Japan relations and improving Pakistan’s soft image abroad. He noted that Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s dignified and positive personality would help present Pakistan in a favorable light in Japan, fostering mutual goodwill and deeper cooperation.
Engagement with Pakistani Community in Japan
In addition to her official engagements, the Punjab Chief Minister will meet with members of the Pakistani community in Japan. The coordination for this interaction has been entrusted to Malik Noor Awan, President of PML-N Japan. This meeting aims to strengthen the bond between overseas Pakistanis and their homeland, while also recognizing their contributions to Pakistan’s economy and society.
Japanese media and diplomatic circles are closely following the visit, viewing it as the beginning of a new chapter in cooperation and development between the two countries.
