Irfan Siddiqui. Tokyo
Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal has said that Pakistan attaches great importance to its relations with Japan and is actively working to enhance bilateral trade. He emphasized that while the current trade volume between the two countries remains below potential and largely in Japan’s favor, the Government of Pakistan is committed to correcting the imbalance and improving market access for Pakistani products.
The minister made these remarks while addressing a high-profile business event held at the Pakistani Embassy in Tokyo. The event was organized by Commercial Counselor Madeeha Ali in collaboration with diplomatic officials from the embassy. It was attended by prominent Japanese political and business leaders, along with notable members of the Pakistani business community in Japan.
Renowned Pakistani business figures in attendance included Chaudhry Asif Mahmood, Malik Younus, Asad Khan, Sikandar Pasia, Shehzad Butt, Shahid Majeed, and Waheed Khan, who have been playing an active role in promoting Pakistani interests and business ties in Japan.
The event aimed to foster bilateral commercial cooperation, attract Japanese investment to Pakistan, and introduce Pakistani products and services to the Japanese market. Minister Jam Kamal stated that events like these create new avenues of collaboration and bring both nations closer in terms of economic integration.
He also highlighted Pakistan’s participation in Expo 2025 Osaka, noting that the Pakistani pavilion has been receiving overwhelming interest and appreciation from Japanese visitors. “The response at Expo 2025 reflects Japan’s growing interest in Pakistani culture, craftsmanship, and commercial potential,” he said.
The minister extended a strong invitation to Japanese investors to explore Pakistan’s investment landscape, especially in sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, information technology, and infrastructure development. He mentioned that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has established a dedicated cell to address the issues faced by foreign investors, aiming to provide them with swift resolutions and a supportive environment. “This initiative reflects our seriousness about strengthening investor confidence,” he added.
In an exclusive interview with Daily Jang, Jam Kamal described overseas Pakistanis as the backbone of the national economy. “The government considers them a vital national asset,” he said, adding that the upcoming federal budget includes special provisions and incentives tailored for overseas Pakistanis.
He noted that overseas Pakistanis send over $38 billion annually in remittances, which are critical to Pakistan’s economic stability and growth. “Their contributions are invaluable, and the government will continue to recognize and facilitate them,” he said.
He also lauded the proactive role of the overseas Pakistani community during recent tensions with India, saying they acted as informal ambassadors of Pakistan by defending the national stance and promoting a positive image of the country abroad.
Concluding his address, Jam Kamal expressed optimism about the future of Pakistan-Japan relations, saying, “We foresee stronger diplomatic, trade, and people-to-people ties in the near future. This partnership can be a catalyst for regional development and peace.”
