ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: The Ambassador of Japan His Excellency Mr. Kuninori Matsuda called on the Federal Minister for Finance, Revenue, Industries and Production Muhammad Hammad Azhar at the Finance Division in Islamabad on Thursday and discussed issues of mutual interest.
The Commercial Counsellor Mr. Ishii Kensuke and the Second Secretary Ms. Soma Mayuko also accompanied H.E. Ambassador on the occasion.
While extending a warm welcome to H.E. Mr. Kuninori Matsuda, the finance minister said that Pakistan and Japan have enjoyed cordial and friendly relations over the years and this relationship will continue to become even stronger with every passing day.
The finance minister appreciated the support extended by the Japanese government for infrastructural and institutional development in Pakistan. Japan is a major development partner of Pakistan, he added.
Hammad Azhar underlined the initiatives taken by the government which led to economic turnaround. He told that Pakistan’s primary deficit has been converted into a surplus due to strict adherence to fiscal discipline.
The minister said that Pakistan’s fiscal response to COVID-19 has been prudent and well-targeted including re-allocation of spending to the most vulnerable segments through the landmark Ehsaas program.
The Japanese ambassador said that Japan greatly values its bilateral relations with Pakistan.
His Excellency Mr. Kuninori Matsuda briefed the finance minister about operations of the Japanese entities in Pakistan and expressed confidence that business and economic linkages would further strengthen between the two Countries.
In the meeting, both sides also reviewed the spectrum of business and investment relations and identified areas for further strengthening and expanding economic cooperation.
The Finance Minister Hammad Azhar lauded the valuable investment by Japan in various sectors particularly in the automobile sector and affirmed to facilitate Japanese investors and businessmen for undertaking major investment initiatives amid rising demand for innovative business products and services in Pakistan.
The minister also commended the contribution of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for socio-economic development and reform initiatives aimed at poverty reduction & human development in the country.
The finance minister thanked the H.E. Kuninori Matsuda for his efforts in furthering Pakistan-Japan relations, on the occasion.
