Pakistan, Japan Discuss Automotive and IT Sector Ties
Tokyo: Pakistan and Japan are exploring deeper cooperation in the automotive and IT sectors to drive export-led growth, following high-level talks in Tokyo.
Focus on Industrial Policy and Export Growth
Special Assistant to the Prime Minister for Industries & Production Haroon Akhtar Khan and Pakistan’s Ambassador to Japan Abdul Hameed met with Japanese Vice-Minister for International Affairs at METI, MATSUO Takehiko, on 15 August. Discussions centered on Pakistan’s new industrial policy, which targets 6–7% annual GDP growth by boosting exports, cutting tariffs, streamlining regulations, and attracting foreign investment.
Japanese Interest in Market Diversification
Japan, already home to over 70 companies operating in Pakistan, expressed interest in diversifying markets amid global trade risks. Japanese officials highlighted the need for regulatory certainty and investment incentives, particularly for automakers seeking to expand exports from Pakistan.
Auto Industry and Biofuel Initiatives
The talks reviewed Pakistan’s Auto Industry Development Policy, with a shift from punitive to incentive-based measures to encourage investment. Japan’s automotive sector, led by Toyota and Suzuki, is prioritizing biofuel development in emerging markets. Both sides discussed opportunities in Pakistan’s automotive and textile sectors, as well as setting regulatory standards for the auto industry.
Path Toward Concrete Outcomes
The meeting also addressed special economic zones, investment facilitation policies, and the logistics of a future Pakistan–Japan business dialogue. Both governments agreed to maintain close communication for timely follow-up in line with Japanese industry timelines, aiming to solidify economic ties through actionable projects.
