PESHAWAR: The fourth of the series of seminars titled “Emerging Trade and Investment Opportunities in Pakistan’ was held at the Nagoya Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Nagoya. It was a joint collaboration of Pakistan Embassy, Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) and Bank of Tokyo Mitsubishi UFG.
The seminar was fully subscribed and attended by leading manufacturing companies and buying houses of Nagoya. Besides Dr. Asad M. Khan, Ambassador of Pakistan, the panel of speakers included so Kitami, Research Manager (Asia Pacific Division) JETRO and Hitoshi Kanahori, Head of Karachi Office, MUFG Bank. Shun Imaizumi, Chairman, Japan-Pakistan Association also attended the Seminar as a guest of honour.
In his opening remarks, the Ambassador highlighted the purpose of the seminars series i.e to introduce to the Japanese stakeholders the tremendous business opportunities in Pakistan and how Japan was best qualified to tap the new opportunities available. He added that there were compelling reasons for any business entity in Japan to consider Pakistan as an investment destination which included its geo-strategic location, 5th largest country in terms of population with a growing domestic market, low productivity cost due to modest wages, availability of rich natural resources coupled with generous package of investment incentives that Pakistan offered to all investors.
He further added that 86 major Japanese companies were doing a thriving business in Pakistan due to investment friendly environment. The 2017 JETRO Annual Survey Report also put Pakistan at No. 1 in terms of business growth expectation, profitability and local employment. The Ambassador also referred to the improved security situation in Pakistan that has given increased confidence to the foreign investors. Dr. Khan also highlighted the economic agenda of the new government under the leadership of Prime Minister Imran Khan and how it was determined to overcome the current economic challenges through peace oriented, investment friendly, development focused and people centered strategies.
The representatives of JETRO and MUFG also made detailed presentations about the positive trends in Pakistan’s economy focusing on the economic fundamentals, its upward growth trajectory, attractive investment opportunities, an overview of the financial and capital markets, infrastructural development and positive future trends.
