Pakistan, Japan reaffirm commitment to trade, investment cooperation

January 21, 2026 (MLN): Pakistan and Japan’s economic cooperation gained fresh momentum as senior government officials and business leaders from both countries met in Tokyo to deepen trade and investment ties, focus on practical collaboration, and reinforce long-term partnership between the two economies.

The engagements highlighted growing business confidence, priority sector opportunities, and the shared commitment of both governments and the private sector to strengthen bilateral economic relations.

The 8th Pakistan-Japan Government-Business Joint Dialogue and the Pakistan Business Forum were held in Tokyo, marking the first convening of the Dialogue in the Japanese capital since December 2018.

The Government–Business Joint Dialogue was co-chaired by Mr. Rana Ihsaan Afzal Khan, Coordinator to the Prime Minister of Pakistan on Commerce and Industry, and Mr. Takuo Komori, Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan, with participation from Mr. Abdul Hameed, Ambassador of Pakistan to Japan, and senior officials from both sides.

The Dialogue brought together representatives from the Pakistan Japan Business Forum (PJBF) and the Japan Pakistan Business Co-operation Committee (JPBCC), along with private-sector stakeholders, with around 80 participants in attendance.

Discussions focused on improving the trade and investment environment and advancing cooperation in key sectors, according to a press release issued.

The Pakistani side outlined national economic priorities and highlighted opportunities in minerals and mining, agricultural and agri-food products, and information technology.

The Japanese side shared views on the operating environment for Japanese companies in Pakistan and identified areas where continued engagement and follow-up could further facilitate business activity.

Following the Joint Dialogue, the Pakistan Business Forum was held in Tokyo, co-organized by the Embassy of Pakistan and the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), with the cooperation of Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.

The Forum featured remarks by Ms. Okumura Akiko, Executive Vice President of JETRO, and Mr. Takuo Komori, as well as a message from Mr. Akira Terakawa, Chairman of the JPBCC.

Mr. Rana Ihsaan Afzal Khan addressed the Forum as Guest of Honour.

Sectoral presentations showcased practical cooperation, including Komatsu’s engagement in Pakistan’s mining sector and Pak Suzuki Motor Company’s biogas pilot initiative converting agricultural and livestock waste into alternative fuel and organic fertilizer.

A presentation by the Trade and Investment Counsellor of the Embassy of Pakistan in Tokyo focused on building Japan-Pakistan joint value chains.

In closing remarks, Ambassador Abdul Hameed emphasized sustained engagement, trust-building, and long-term partnership, citing the 2025 JETRO survey indicating improved profitability outlooks and expansion intentions among Japanese companies operating in Pakistan, reflecting growing business confidence and medium-term investment interest.

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