Islamabad, 26 October 2022 (TDI): The Ambassador-designate of Pakistan to Japan, Raza Bashir Tarar called on the Foreign Minister of Pakistan, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari.
The meeting took place at the Foreign Office. During the meeting, Foreign Minister Zardari directed the Ambassador-designate to work on further strengthening relations between Pakistan and Japan.
https://twitter.com/ForeignOfficePk/status/1585257845175394304
He particularly emphasized bolstering ties for the enhancement of trade, investment & public diplomacy between the two partner countries.
Pakistan-Japan Relations
Pakistan and Japan enjoy cordial ties. Japan was one of the first countries to acknowledge its sovereignty three days after Pakistan’s independence on August 14, 1947.
Following the end of the Allied occupation of Japan in April 1952, diplomatic ties between the two countries were formally established.
Pakistan played a significant role in aiding at the end of the occupation and in the reconstruction of the Japanese economy, by exporting large quantities of goods and waiving war reparations that Japan owed Pakistan.
Japan-Pakistan relations have historically remained steady. Pakistan has got about 260 billion in grants and aid from Japan, as well as around 3 billion in investments.
As of 2015, there were approximately 968-2000 Japanese nationals residing in Pakistan, while approximately 12,708 Pakistani nationals resided in Japan.
Moreover, approximately 20,000 Japanese visitors visited Pakistan in 2007-2008 and have shown a desire to return, focusing on Buddhist monuments in Pakistan.
Also read: Seventh Session of Japan-Pakistan Joint Government-Business Dialogue
Pakistan is primarily represented by its Embassy in Tokyo, while Japan is primarily represented by its Embassy in Islamabad.
Pakistan-Japan bilateral relations have grown stronger, with a primary focus on social development. Japan has provided assistance to Pakistan in the areas of health, agriculture, water supply, and disaster management.
The Japanese government provided $82.12 million in aid to Pakistan in 2019. With $1.5 billion in annual trade, Japan is one of Pakistan’s most important trading partners.
The Japanese automobile industry sells 90% of its vehicles in Pakistan. Toyota Motors, a Japanese automaker, has announced a $100 million investment in hybrid vehicles in Pakistan.
Likewise, Japan has a leading role in the development industry in Pakistan. It has supported projects such as the Indus Highway, the Thermal Power Station Jamshoro, the Bin Qasim Thermal Power Station, and the Kohat Tunnel.
The ongoing ‘Gravity Flow Water Supply Scheme’ project in Haripur city is funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
The project would provide drinking water to the population of Haripur city and is based on cost-effective water supply systems.
