Embassy of Pakistan organized a “Pakistan Trade Seminar” in collaboration with Saitama Industrial Development Corporation (SIDC), Federation of Saitama Chamber of Commerce & Industry (FSCCI), JETRO and METI in SIDC building, Saitama. This was the first of series of Trade Seminars being organized in the important cities of Japan as a “New Initiative” by the Ambassador of Pakistan, to look for possibility of developing linkages between Pakistani business community living in Japan and the Japanese businessmen of the respective areas.
Mr. Hidejiro Akiyama Chairman SIDC in his opening remarks thanked the Ambassador for selecting Saitama as the first destination having maximum concentration of Pakistanis among the whole country. He informed that SIDC is aiming development of next generation industries, development of life-support industry and support of SME’s overseas expansion and hence Pakistan to them was an active country for developing new relationships. He shared his optimism that this seminar would have important significance for all the participants.
Mr Farukh Amil, the Ambassador of Pakistan shared with the audience “The New Initiative” of Pakistani and Japanese business community joining hands for enhancing bilateral trade and investment, as a modest beginning towards giving some kind of exploratory framework a positive direction. In his presentation he highlighted the history of Pakistan-Japan’s friendship, socio-cultural bond, the strong business relations and the focused priorities of the new Government on business. He said Pakistan offered immense opportunities for business and investment. Although there were many areas where investment could be made but he specifically stressed the energy and infrastructure sectors because of the fast developing N-11 economy, Pakistan required more regional connectivity and electricity for its emerging industrial and commercial needs. In this context the Ambassador highlighted the Government’s top priority for the energy sector. He urged the Japanese companies to visit Pakistan and keep up the momentum created by the active participation of Japanese companies in EXPO 2013.
The Ambassador reiterated that Pakistan offered many opportunities for investors such as a youthful population, lower labour costs, and educated workforce. Referring to the meeting of the two Prime Ministers in New York, the Ambassador underlined the need to reinvigorate the mutually agreed agenda of enhancing bilateral relations in all fields including the trade and business.
Mr. Kenji Ishizuka of JETRO welcomed the Japanese companies which attended the event. He informed that the Government led by Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif had steadily carried out structural changes gaining support from the IMF which was a healthy sign towards economic stability. He assured that JETRO would continue to support all such activities, which encouraged the business community from both countries to engage in closer communication.
Mr. Shehzad Ahmed, Commercial Counsellor gave a presentation within the context of the globalization and emerging trade opportunities in Pakistan. He made a case for Pakistan as a reliable trading partner with immense potential to do business with Pakistan.
Earlier the Ambassador had a meeting with the Chairman SIDC, President FSCCI and Chief Director JETRO. In the meeting the business potential of Pakistan was stressed, in particular the need for SME sector of both countries to enhance bilateral trade and investment.