Japan is planning significant investments in Pakistan’s IT and automotive industries, which is welcome news for the nation. In this regard, Haroon Akhtar Khan, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister for Industries & Production, Abdul Hameed, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Japan, and MATSUO Takehiko, Vice-Minister for International Affairs at the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI) of Japan, met at a high level in Tokyo.
The meeting explored new avenues for industrial cooperation between Pakistan and Japan, with a focus on the automotive and IT sectors. Japan recognises Pakistan’s large and young population, growing market potential, and the presence of over 70 Japanese companies already operating in the country. Pakistan’s new industrial policy, which aims to increase exports, reduce tariffs, simplify regulations, and attract more foreign investment in line with the Prime Minister’s vision for export-led growth, was the topic of discussion. This policy seeks to achieve 6–7% annual GDP growth.
Japan Eyes Major Investments in Pakistan’s IT and Auto Sectors
The Japanese side expressed interest in market diversification and emphasized the importance of regulatory certainty and targeted investment incentives for Japanese automakers to increase exports from Pakistan.
Global industry trends and the Japanese auto industry’s focus on biofuels in emerging markets, led by Toyota and Suzuki, were discussed. The auto industry development policy of Pakistan and the anticipated switch from punitive to incentive-based measures to encourage investment were the topics of discussion on both sides.
The importance of regulatory standards for the auto industry, the role of biofuels, and opportunities for Japanese investment in Pakistan’s textile and automotive sectors were emphasized. Special economic zones, investment facilitation policies, and the logistics of a possible business dialogue between Pakistan and Japan were also discussed at the meeting
Given the urgency of Japanese industry deadlines, both parties agreed to maintain close communication to ensure prompt follow-up and to work toward concrete outcomes that would further strengthen economic relations between Pakistan and Japan.
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