Pakistan today made a direct appeal to leading Japanese corporations for long-term investment, outlining a strategic partnership focused on food supply chains, digital services, and minerals during a high-level business seminar held today.
The “Pakistan Business Seminar 2025,” co-hosted by the Embassy of Pakistan and the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), saw Ambassador Abdul Hameed reassure more than 50 participants of Pakistan’s commitment to building trust-based commercial relationships. He openly addressed investor concerns, emphasizing improvements in the country”s safety and stability, and underscored a desire for a partnership defined by consistency and transparency.
Masatomo Itonaga, JETRO”s Country Representative for Karachi, provided a comprehensive briefing on Pakistan”s prevailing business conditions. His analysis covered macroeconomic trends, key growth sectors, and policy reforms being implemented under IMF-supported initiatives, noting the existing presence of 68 Japanese firms in sectors like automotive, logistics, and finance.
Presenting Pakistan as “Japan’s Next Growth Partner,” Trade and Investment Counsellor Madiha Ali identified a strong alignment between Japan”s structural needs for the 2025-2035 period and Pakistan”s capabilities. She specifically spotlighted opportunities in food supply, digital and engineering services, and mineral resources, proposing practical cooperation models supported by government bodies such as the Special Investment Facilitation Council and the Board of Investment.
The discussion also turned to human capital, with Community Welfare Attaché Zahra Dastgir showcasing Pakistan”s demographic advantages. She highlighted the country”s substantial pool of qualified ICT engineers and a growing pipeline of workers trained under Japan-specific frameworks like the Technical Intern Training Program (TITP) and Specified Skilled Worker (SSW), citing their high English proficiency and competency ratings according to Japan’s own i-Competency standards.
The seminar, which facilitated direct engagement through a question-and-answer session and networking opportunity, is a precursor to the upcoming Pakistan-Japan Government-Business Joint Dialogue. Officials noted that feedback from the Japanese companies present will be used to shape Pakistan”s agenda for future bilateral cooperation in priority areas.