Japanese ambassador to Pakistan, Kuninori Matsuda (R), met the President of Pakistan, Dr. Arif Alvi (L).

Islamabad, 19 October 2021 (TDI): The outgoing Japanese ambassador to Pakistan, Kuninori Matsuda, met the President of Pakistan, Dr. Arif Alvi. The meeting took place on 18 October at Awan-e-Sadar, Islamabad. During the meeting, both officials discussed bilateral relations between Pakistan and Japan. They also exchanged views on prospects of diversifying the relations between the two countries.

Speaking on the occasion, President Arif Alvi said Pakistan offers a business-friendly environment and the incumbent government has undertaken various reforms to promote ease of doing business. The President invited Japanese companies to invest in Pakistan in various sectors including agriculture, automobiles, information technology, textiles, and energy. Additionally, he acknowledged the role of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and Japanese companies in the economic development of Pakistan.

He also stated Pakistan and Japan need to enhance cooperation in skills and human resource development. President Alvi appreciated the decision of the Japanese government to provide 20 graduate scholarships to Pakistani students. This step will augment academic linkages between the two countries.

Furthermore, the President recalled his visit to Japan in 2019. He said the visit resulted in very fruitful discussions with Japanese leaders on enhancing the scope of bilateral relations between the two countries.

Japanese company to invest $100 million in Pakistan

Ambassador Matsuda informed the President that Japanese automobile company, Toyota, will invest $100 million to produce hybrid cars in Pakistan. It will also assist local companies to manufacture automobile parts. Moreover, the ambassador requested Pakistan’s participation in Japan Osaka 2025 Expo. He also stated the year 2022 will mark 70 years of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Japan. The ambassador asked to commemorate the anniversary in a befitting manner.

President Arif Alvi lauded the role of Ambassador Matsuda in bridging relations between Pakistan and Japan. He said Pakistan highly values its relations with Tokyo. He thanked the ambassador for his unrelenting service and wished him success in his future endeavors.

Earlier, the ambassador also met Foreign Minister of Pakistan in a farewell call.