Pakistan, Japan Reaffirm Economic Ties at 8th Government–Business Dialogue in Tokyo

Pakistan and Japan on Friday reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral economic cooperation during the 8th Pakistan–Japan Government–Business Joint Dialogue and the Pakistan Business Forum held in Tokyo. The Dialogue was convened in Tokyo for the first time since December 2018 and brought together senior government officials and private-sector representatives from both countries.

The Government–Business Joint Dialogue was co-chaired by Rana Ihsaan Afzal Khan, Coordinator to the Prime Minister of Pakistan on Commerce and Industry, and Takuo Komori, Japan’s Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry. Pakistan’s Ambassador to Japan, Abdul Hameed, also participated alongside senior officials and representatives from the Pakistan–Japan Business Forum and the Japan–Pakistan Business Co-operation Committee. Around 80 participants attended the Dialogue.

During the discussions, both sides exchanged views on enhancing trade and investment relations and improving the overall business environment. Pakistan highlighted its economic priorities and identified opportunities for cooperation in minerals and mining, agriculture and agri-food products, and information technology. The Japanese side shared insights on the operating environment for Japanese firms in Pakistan and emphasized the importance of sustained engagement to facilitate business activity.

Following the Dialogue, the Pakistan Business Forum was held, co-organized by the Embassy of Pakistan in Tokyo and the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), with support from Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. The Forum was attended by senior business leaders from both countries.

The Forum featured remarks by JETRO Executive Vice President Okumura Akiko and Parliamentary Vice-Minister Takuo Komori, along with a message from Akira Terakawa, Chairman of the Japan–Pakistan Business Co-operation Committee. Rana Ihsaan Afzal Khan addressed the gathering as Guest of Honour.

Sector-focused presentations highlighted ongoing and potential cooperation between Japanese and Pakistani partners. Komatsu outlined its current and planned involvement in Pakistan’s mining sector, including technology transfer and workforce development. Pak Suzuki Motor Company presented its biogas pilot project aimed at converting agricultural and livestock waste into alternative fuel and organic fertilizer. The Embassy of Pakistan also presented a roadmap on “From Trade to Investment: Building Japan–Pakistan Joint Value Chains.”

In his closing remarks, Ambassador Abdul Hameed emphasized the importance of long-term partnership, trust-building, and continued engagement. He also cited findings from the 2025 JETRO Survey on Business Conditions of Japanese Companies Operating Overseas, noting improved profitability expectations and expansion plans among Japanese firms in Pakistan, reflecting growing business confidence and medium-term investment interest.