During a meeting with Governor of Oita H. E. Katsusada Hirose (former Vice Minister of Trade and Industry), the Ambassador highlighted the opportunities in Pakistan and the Government’s pro-business and pro-development agenda. He emphasized the importance of localized, renewable energy solutions which could be established quickly. The Governor appreciated Pakistan’s interest in alternative energy (solar and geo-thermal), also stressing the viability of small scale hydroelectric projects. The Governor welcomed Pakistan’s interest in education and agreed that more Pakistanis should study and train in Japan. He elaborated in detail on the opportunities in solar energy and tourism and agreed to explore ways to increase cooperation in many fields.
The Ambassador also called on the Mayor of Oita Mr. Ban Kugimiya, who recalled his visit as a Parliamentarian to Pakistan in 2002. Here too the Ambassador highlighted the Government’s commitment to democracy, financial reforms, the exchange of Parliamentarian delegations and the need to establish institutional linkages between business organizations. The Ambassador underlined Pakistan’s status as a globally responsible country committed to peace and international law as exemplified by its continuing leading status in UN peace-keeping operations. Later the Ambassador was interviewed by NHK.
