Maryam wants enhanced cooperation with Japan

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz met Japanese Ambassador Akamatsu Shuichi on Saturday to explore avenues for strengthening bilateral cooperation in diverse fields.

“We aim to collaborate with Japan in agriculture, minerals, IT, AI, robotics and energy,” said Maryam Nawaz during the meeting.

Discussions focused on enhancing trade ties, promoting mutual investment and exploring new ways to deepen economic cooperation between Pakistan and Japan.

The chief minister also expressed gratitude for Japan’s assistance during the 2022 floods. “There are deep, friendly ties between the two nations. Japan has consistently supported Pakistan in challenging times, and we are thankful to the government and people of Japan,” she said. She praised Japan’s development projects and welfare initiatives and encouraged Japanese businesses to invest in Pakistan. “We will ensure all necessary facilities and protections for Japanese investors in Punjab,” she assured.

Ambassador Akamatsu Shuichi commended the public welfare initiatives spearheaded by the Sharif family, saying the contributions of Nawaz Sharif and Shehbaz Sharif. He extended an invitation to Maryam Nawaz to visit Japan, which she graciously accepted.

Meanwhile, Maryam Nawaz conveyed her condolences on the passing of Presidential Award-winning musician Zulfiqar Ali Atre. She expressed her sympathies to the bereaved family and paid tribute to his significant contributions to Pakistan’s music industry.