Kansai region on its own represents the eighth largest economy of the world.

The Governor of Osaka said in his meeting that the Kansai region had much to offer Pakistani business and products, says a press release.

He warmly welcomed the Ambassador's suggestion to establish direct air links.

The Ambassador apprised him as well as the Governor of Nara, Vice Governor of Hyogo and the Mayors of Kobe and Nara of the economic opportunities in Pakistan and of the objective to establish a Japanese SEZ near Karachi.

The Governor of Nara, the Buddhist capital of Japan, said Pakistan had special civilizational links.

The Ambassador held meetings with the Managing Director and Executive Officer of Kansai International Airport, the President/Vice Chairman of Chambers of Commerce of Nara and Osaka and also the Chairman of the important Kansai Economic Federation.

The Ambassador stressed the need for greater access for Pakistan students and in particular the need to cultivate a new generation that would learn from Japan's technology and management techniques, especially its unique, proven triangle of `Academia- Innovation-Industry'.

The Ambassador urged Japan to push for capacity building of the next generation in Pakistan through internships and technical apprenticeships in major corporations in Japan for Pakistan's brightest students.

This idea was welcomed at all the meetings.

The Ambassador also met with the senior METI (Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry) officials and visited major textile and technology corporations.

He called upon the business community to visit Pakistan and see the economic opportunities in Pakistan.

He said that Pakistan was an investment friendly country.