On the joyous and auspicious occasion of His Majesty the Emperors' 85th birthday I extend my sincere greetings to The Emperor Akhito, I compliment the people of Japan for nurturing the tradition of monarchy for thousands of years and the esteem in which the emperor is held.
Their majesties, the Emperor and Empress visited Pakistan in 1962, as then Their Empirical Highnesses the Crown Prince and Princess and were applauded all the way from the airport to their residence. I remember seeing them at the reception given by the President at a big garden in Karachi, where I had gone with my father.
There is a lot of goodwill between people of Pakistan and Japan, even though our business level has not been commensurate with it. The people of the two countries share many values in daily life as family values, respect for age, seniority and hard work.
Pakistan Japan Business Forum which was formed in 2001 with active patronage of the then Ambassador of Japan and the Consul General of Japan, has been actively working towards its vision: "facilitate, encourage, promote business and friendly relationship between the industrial and business communities of Pakistan & Japan". It is the most active and leading bilateral forum.
PJBF also arranges transfer of Japanese management know-how through Japanese trainers in Pakistan as well special courses for Pakistanis in Japan. The trade between the 2 Countries has unfortunately been static at a low level of around $ 2 billion, of which exports from Pakistan being around $200 million only. Sustained relationship between countries need strong economic relations besides cultural exchanges.
There is much that is possible and doable and I hope both governments will recognize the hurdles inhibiting growth and, the private sectors of both countries will seize the opportunity for mutual benefit. Currently there are only 74 Japanese companies operating in Pakistan. I pray for their Majesties long life and greater friendship between the people of the two countries, who have always been close to each other.