Japan promises economic support

Islamabad: Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development Chaudhry Salik Hussain held a meeting with Japanese Ambassador Akamatsu Shuichi here to fortify bilateral ties and unlock new avenues for economic cooperation.

The two dignitaries underscored the vast potential for mutual growth and development. "Pakistan and Japan have been economic partners for a long time, and now is the perfect opportunity to renew their relationship in economic terms," said Salik Hussain. He emphasised the need for cooperation in technical assistance and proposed starting a joint technical college in Pakistan to equip the young generation with skills tailored to the Japanese market.

The minister welcomed Japanese companies to Pakistan to train locals according to Japanese market demands. He also highlighted the importance of technical assistance and training programs, such as the Technical Intern Training Programme and the Specified Skilled Workers Programme.

The minister noted that Japan was known for its strict adherence to rules and regulations, and therefore, Pakistan wanted Japanese expertise to train its human resources and establish testing facilities in Pakistan.

The Japanese ambassador lauded Pakistan's resilience and determination, acknowledging the country's immense potential for growth and development.

He reiterated Japan's unwavering commitment to supporting Pakistan's economic trajectory, underscoring the importance of human resource development, education, and vocational training in driving sustainable growth.

The ambassador also expressed Japan's interest in collaborating with Pakistan to establish vocational training institutes, designed to equip Pakistani youth with the skills required to succeed in Japan's highly competitive job market. Both the minister and the ambassador agreed that the trajectory of Pakistan-Japan relations is poised for a significant upswing, with a renewed focus on economic cooperation, human resource development, and mutual growth.