A Trade Promotion and Business Seminar was held at the Sapporo Chamber of Commerce and Industry which was jointly organized by the Embassy of Pakistan, Hokkaido Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), Ministry of Trade, Economy, and Industry (METI), Sapporo Chamber of Commerce, Hokkaido International Business Centre, Hokkaido International Trade and Industry Promotion Association. The event was supported by the Hokkaido Prefecture, Sapporo City, Otaru CCI and others.
Ambassador Farukh Amil outlined the positive and important developments taking place in Pakistan such as strengthening of political stability and democracy, improving law and order situation and Government’s efforts to ensure women empowerment, enhance the business environment, develop the infrastructure, encourage Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and attract foreign investment. He highlighted the structural reforms undertaken by the Government and fiscal discipline which had led to improve economic indicators of Pakistan had been duly recognized by the global financial institutions. The Ambassador underlined that with the robust presence of Japanese corporations in Pakistan for several decades, strong participation in the recent EXPOs and with the important Joint Government Business Dialogue set for 10th November 2015, Japanese businessmen not just in Tokyo and Osaka but in other important cities like Sapporo should seriously evaluate the immense potential of Pakistan.
Mr. Karou Shraishi, Director General for Hokkaido region JETRO and Mr. Takashi Shimokyoda, Deputy Director Economic Partnership Division Trade Policy Bureau METI highlighted the enormous market size, skilled youth population, ease of doing business and investment prospects in various sectors in Pakistan. They underlined increasing interest of the Japanese companies and appreciated the hospitality of Pakistanis towards the Japanese. Both officials dilated at length on their own positive and personal experience of trade and business in Pakistan and urged the Chamber of Commerce participants to look at Pakistan.
Commercial Counsellor Osaka, Mr. Muhammad Naseer outlined the trade opportunities in Pakistan particularly in textile, leather and surgical instruments. Focusing on the strong textile industry of Pakistan, he invited the business persons to participate in TEXPO 2015.
Earlier the Ambassador held a meeting with the Sapporo Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Briefing Vice Chairman Mr. Katsuki Toshaiki and his team, the Ambassador highlighted the business friendly investment policies in Pakistan, ease of travel (visa issued within a day) and the skilled youthful population coupled with the strategic location provided Japanese companies a platform at the cross-roads of West, Central and South Asia with direct oceanic access to the regional markets of the GCC and Africa. The Ambassador outlined that Pakistan had a history of zero labour disputes with Japanese corporations in addition to its highly disciplined and motivated work force.
Separately the Ambassador met with members of the Pakistani community and academics who are pursuing their graduate-level research and academic studies especially in science and technology. He encouraged them to harness the best education Japan provided and be part of the technology transfer and human resource development of Pakistan upon their return.
