KARACHI: The Pakistan-Japan Business Forum (PJBF) celebrated its 15th Annual General Meeting (AGM) and annual dinner in a grand event that brought together influential figures from the business and diplomatic communities. The gathering was held under the esteemed chairmanship of Ambassador of Japan, Mitsuhiro Wada, who serves as the Patron-in-Chief of PJBF.
The highlight of the evening was the introduction of the newly-appointed PJBF Chairman Murtaza Mandviwalla, who succeeded his predecessor Kalim Farooqui. In addition to the leadership transition, the meeting featured informative presentations from the Senior Vice Chairman Itaru Nakamura and Vice Chairman Feroz Alam Shah, who shared the organization's performance report for the year. The financial report was skillfully presented by Finance Director Hanif Sattar.
The PJBF is recognized as a leading bilateral business forum, boasting a board of 20 directors. Notably, 10 of these directors are Japanese nationals residing in Pakistan, actively overseeing Japanese conglomerates operating within the country. These conglomerates have a significant presence in various industries, including automotive, pharmaceuticals, information technology, textiles, engineering, fisheries, petrochemicals, and steel, among others.
The PJBF's board also includes observer members, such as Consul-General of Japan in Karachi, Odagiri Toshio, and Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) Country Head, Kazunori Yamaguchi. The organization's membership comprises distinguished business leaders representing a diverse range of trade and industry sectors, underscoring the broad scope of the forum's activities.
As per tradition, the AGM was followed by an exquisite dinner and entertainment program that captivated the audience. In attendance were not only PJBF members but also several notable dignitaries from the diplomatic community based in Karachi.
One of the evening's standout moments was the mesmerizing saxophone performance by Yasushi Nakagawa, the Deputy Consul General of Japan in Karachi. His exceptional musical skills left the audience enchanted and garnered resounding appreciation and applause.
The PJBF's 15th AGM and Annual Dinner reaffirmed its role as a vital platform for strengthening economic ties between Pakistan and Japan, while also celebrated the rich cultural exchange between the two nations.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2023