Salahuddin Haider Islamabad
President Dr Arif Alvi has lauded the strong bonds cementing Pakistan and Japan together in the fields of economy, trade, political and other fields and said that since these are loaded with enormous potential for growth, attempts be made by both sides to exploit it fully.
He was happy to inaugurate the 20th anniversary of the founding of Pak-Japan Business Forum at the residence of eminent businessman and fifth chairman of the forum Kalim Frooqui Monday night. A galaxy of prominent personalities were present at the lavish lawns. They included Japanese Ambassador Kuninori Matsuda, consuls general of Japan, Turkey, South Korea, Vietnam, and the acting consul general of Bangla Desh. Moin Fudda, Kader Jaffer, and a lot many more. President Alvi, a delightful personality, capable of disarming people with his inimitable smiles, delivered an excellent speech. Filled with anecdotes, and hailing the bilateral ties between the two countries. He recalled that in 1933 his father went to Japan and was all praise for its people, excelling in courtesy and good mannerism. He said if Japan could rise from Ashes of the Second World War, Pakistan too, being a nascent country in 1952, rose to heights under the guiding principles set by the inspirational leadership of Quaide Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah. Citing figures, he felt happy that Japan and Pakistan trade was growing and must attain new heights
If Japan could export machinery, Pakistan had bright prospects of sending to Japan a variety of item like leather, textiles, and Items of IT sectors.
The two governments must work on exploiting the potentials to the maximum. He said despite Covid 19, Pakistan managed to keep the deadly diseases in control, and became example for others. Happily despite pandemic, all indicators of development and growth were positive in Pakistan, which also can become an excellent tourism destination. It was now laying emphasis on improving environment for the healthy growth of the society. It also credited itself in combating terrorism with courage and wisdom.
The Japanese Ambassador Mr Matsuda recalled that Pakistan was First country to sign peace treaty with Japan, Trade was increasing between them but Japan was also importing human resources from Pakistan to fulfill its needs for manpower. There are fields like development of Water and sewerage management, education and several other fields which could be expanded. There was need to develop fruit processing to boost fruit exports to Japan.
