Japan to continue assistance for development of Pakistan

19 Mar, 2011

"Pakistan will not face any reduction in developmental assistance and projects funded by Japan and these projects would neither be dropped nor rescheduled," said Kaoru Magosaki, Head of Economic and Development Section, Embassy of Japan.

Talking to delegation of Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), the diplomat said that Japan would increase ties and cooperation with Pakistan adding that many companies will like to invest here when security situation improves.

The FPCCI delegation was led by its Capital Office Chairman, Hameed Akhtar Chadda while other members included Chairman Media Malik Sohail, and Senior Vice President Pharmaceuticals, Tariq Mehmood who visited embassy to express sympathetic grief over disaster and loses in Japan.

"The disasters will not stop us from supporting a friendly country like Pakistan," the Japanese diplomat maintained.

Earlier, Chadda and Sohail while lauding the role of Japan in overall development of Pakistan said that Japan was world's third-largest economy and the fifth largest donor of development aid.

The situation in Japan has triggered fears in domestic market as it is a great trading partner and supplier of quality goods, they said adding many critical sectors rely on Japan.

Malik Sohail also expressed fear of an expected drop in demand, exports and remittances and its impact on local environment and urged Japan to take steps to balance trade and accelerate transfer of technology to Pakistan besides easing visa related issues.

The delegation lauded Japanese support in construction of Kohat Tunnel, training institutes, flood warning system and rehabilitation of Taunsa Barrage, improvement of health, education, environment, irrigation, agricultural and industrial development, disaster risk management, energy, transportation and sanitation.

Pakistan's main exports include textile yarn, woven fabrics, leather and leather goods, sport goods, fish and fish products while it imports road vehicles, boilers, machinery, equipment, iron, steel, telecommunication, organic chemicals, auto parts and vehicles.

The FPCCI delegation also offered condolences and wrote their expression of grief in the condolence at the embassy.

The delegation called upon government and business community to reach out to help the people of Japan as they have always helped us in need.

Copyright APP (Associated Press of Pakistan), 2011

Read Comments