Foreign investments

The recent visit of Katsunori Ashida, First Secretary Embassy of Japan, to the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) is a good sign for the country’s economy. He indicated that Pakistan could be the next destination for Japanese investors because of its low labour cost and potential market for business. This indicates that trends are changing in Pakistan. Previously, the increasing rate of terrorism in the country had kept foreign investors out of the country. Although the country still has a long way to go to eradicate terrorism, the CPEC project has played a major role in bringing foreign investors into the country.

Ashida also talked about the possibilities of the Free Trade Agreement between Japan and Pakistan. Japan also expressed its wish to join CPEC. This new trend is an opportunity that must be seized. The government should create more such investor friendly opportunities in the country. A lot is needed to be done to increase national security. If steps are taken in the right direction, the day is not far away when the country will see positive changes in its economy.

Ishrat Akhtar Mayo

Lahore