4-6-17, Minami-Azabu Minato-ku Tokyo, 106-0047 – Tel: 035421-7741 & Fax: 03-54213610 – Email: pareptokyo@mofa.gov.pk - Website: www.pakistanembassytokyo.com

IN THIS ISSUE
1Federal Minister Hammad Azhar met Mr. Taro Aso, Deputy
Prime Minister/Finance Minister of Japan

2

Federal Minister of Economic Affairs meets Japanese State
Minister for Foreign Affairs, Delegation of JPBCC andaddress Pakistani Community

3

Federal Minister Hammad Azhar interviews to local media

4

Tourism Seminar at the Embassy

5

Kashmir Solidarity Day observed at Embassy

6Seminar on Technical intern Training Programme (TITP)

7

Ceremony to Declare Suginami City as the Host Town for
Pakistan’s Olympic Contingent

8

Federal Minister Hammad Azhar met Mr. Taro Aso, Deputy Prime
Minister / Finance Minister of Japan
Mr. Muhammad Hammad Azhar, Federal
Minister for Economic Affairs, called on Mr.
Taro Aso, Deputy Prime Minister/Finance
Minister of Japan, in Tokyo. During themeeting, both sides exchanged views on theways to enhance the existing bilateral
economic relations. It was agreed that there
was a huge potential to increase the current
level of bilateral trade and investments fromJapan into Pakistan.
Minister Azhar, while appreciating Japan’s role
as one of the premier development partnersof Pakistan over decades, briefed Minister Asoon the current economic situation of Pakistan.
He highlighted the difficult policy decisions
that the government of Prime Minister Imran
Khan had to take to bring the economy out ofbalance of payment and fiscal crisis. It wasemphasized that owing to timely andappropriate decisions, Pakistan’s economy
had stabilized and Pakistan was now looking
to revive faster growth. The recent successful
review of the IMF programme by its Board,
improvement in Pakistan’s ranking by
Moody’s and the 28-point improvement inPakistan’s Ease of Doing Business in just one
year were also highlighted by the Minister.
Minister Taro Aso appreciated the steps taken
by Pakistan to stabilize its economy andexpressed the desire of the Japanese
government to comprehensively take theexisting economic and commercial relations
to the next level.

Federal Minister for Economic Affairs meets Japanese State
Minister for Foreign Affairs, Delegation of JPBCC andaddresses Pakistani CommunityThe Federal Minister for Economic Affairs,
Muhammad Hammad Azhar met Japanese State
Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr. Kenji Wakamiya inTokyo. The two sides reviewed the entire spectrum ofbilateral relations and identified areas for further
cooperation in political, economic, trade, investment,
education and cultural fields. Both sides while noting
the renewed vigor and momentum in high-levelexchanges, reaffirmed their commitments to take thebilateral relationship to higher level. While discussing
the regional issues, the Minister briefedthe State
Minister on the deteriorating situation of humans
rights in Indian Occupied Kashmir especially after therecent illegal decision of the Indian Government tostrip Kashmiris of their autonomous rights
guaranteed by the Indian Constitution.Mr. Azhar also
apprised Mr. Wakamiya about Pakistan’s mediatory
and constructive role in bringing lasting peace inAfghanistan.State Minister Wakamiya appreciatedPakistan’s efforts for peace and stability in theregion. He also expressed hope that engagements
between the two countries at all levels wouldenhance the mutually beneficial relations.
The Minister also met Mr. Teruo Asada, Chairman, Japan-Pakistan Business Cooperation Committee(JPBCC) in Tokyo. Representatives from leading Japanese Corporations having strong presence in Pakistan
also participated in the meeting. The two sides discussed strengthening economic cooperation andincreasing bilateral investments and exerting all possible efforts to eliminate obstacles and overcome
difficulties that obstruct the smooth flow of trade and investment between the two countries. While
appreciating Japan’s role as premier development partner of Pakistan, the Minister stated that Pakistan was
ready to welcome Japanese businesses in all the sectors of economy. Mr. Asada and other business leaders
acknowledged the economic credentials of Pakistan and expressed strong desire of JPBCC to make practicalefforts for boosting up trade and investment relations between the two countries.

2

The Federal Minister also addressed a large number of Pakistani community members in Tokyo.He
deliberated on the role of Pakistani community in promoting the interests of the country abroad.
He said that the Pakistani diaspora has an important role as they can promote positive image ofPakistan in the country of their residence in an effective manner.He said, the present Government
was people centric and its socio-economic agenda aimed at bringing job opportunities andeconomic benefits to the people. The Government was committed to enhance productivity in thecountry to give a new impetus to economic-development.He said that the Government is trying toensure all possible facilitation for the overseas Pakistanis. He said that necessary instructions havebeen issued to Pakistani Missions abroad to facilitate/assist the community to address theirgenuine concerns in an effective manner.

Federal Minister for Economic Affairs interviews to local media

Federal Minister for Economic Affair Muhammad Hammad Azhar interacted with the Japanese media.
During his interaction with Nikkei Asian Review and NHK, the Minister deliberated on the socio-economic
agenda of the Government.

3

Tourism Seminar at the Embassy
To promote and encourage group tourism in Pakistan, the Embassy of Pakistan in Tokyo organized a seminarin collaboration with Saiyu Travel agency of Japan. A large number of Japanese visitors were in attendance.
The Ambassador welcomed the guests and briefed the audience about the potential which Pakistan offers
in tourism. He said that the Government is ensuring that maximum possible facilitation is extended totourists visiting Pakistan so that they can witness the diversity, culture, landscape, Food and hospitality ofPakistan. The visitors were given presentations on the huge tourism potential in all the provinces ofPakistan. The guests were later served Pakistani food. It is important to note that the influx of Japanese
tourists has increased with record number of Japanese tourists visiting Pakistan in the last two years. Suchseminars will help Pakistan to revive the group tourism in Pakistan.

4Kashmir Solidarity Day observed at Embassy of Pakistan, TokyoIn order to express solidarity and to reaffirm steadfast support for our Kashmiri brothers and sisters indistress, the Mission observed Kashmir Solidarity Day at the Chancery today.

A broad cross section of Japanese society comprising of academics, journalists, think tanks, businesspersons, government officials and members of the Pakistan Community were in attendance. Messages ofthe President and Prime Minister in support of the Kashmir cause were read out. The National Anthem ofAzad Jammu & Kashmir along with our National Anthem was played on occasion. Members of the Pakistan
Community also made speeches in support of our Kashmiri brethren. Earlier in the day, Pakistan Community
members with banners and placards in hand marched towards the UN Representative Office in Tokyo andsubmitted a resolution on behalf of the “Kashmir Solidarity Forum in Japan” reminding the United Nationsof its pledge made to the people of Kashmir accepting their right of self determination.
The Ambassador in his key-note address shed light on India’s illegal and unilateral actions of August 5 lastyear and emphasized that despite turning Kashmir into a large prison, India has not been able to dampen
the indomitable spirit of the freedom loving Kashmiri people. He enumerated the steps taken by thegovernment of Pakistan at various international forums to highlight India’s unacceptable actions and grosshuman rights violations. The Ambassador specifically mentioned that in the last six months, the UN Security
Council on 3 difference occasions has taken cognizance of the matter and has discussed the prevailingsituation in the area, thereby belying India’s claims that the Jammu & Kashmir dispute is India’s internalmatter.
The Ambassador concluded his speech by reaffirming government of Pakistan’s continued full political,
diplomatic and moral support to the oppressed Kashmiris in their legitimate struggle for the right to selfdetermination, promised to them by the international community through numerous UNSC Resolutions.

Separately in the evening, the Ambassador interacted with prominent Japanese media persons and select5
think-tanks of Japan and discussed the recent situation in IOJ&K.

Seminar on Technical Intern Training Programme (TITP)
A seminar on “Technical Intern Training Programme (TITP) with the collaboration of Japan International Train JITCO)
was held in the Embassy. A large number of Japanese companies / receiving organizations along with the delegates ofJITCO and representatives from NUTECH, Pakistan were in attendance.

Speaking at the seminar, Ambassador Imtiaz Ahmad welcomed the audience and said that this event marks a very
important step in the bilateral relationship between Japan and Pakistan as the two countries have been great friends
with economic cooperation being the main driver of the relationship. He added that Pakistan values Japan as one ofits main economic partner and the people of Pakistan hold Japanese people in high esteem. He also referred to theinitiatives of Government of Pakistan regarding human resource development and Japan’s cooperation to this cause.
The Ambassador underscored that the recent signing of MOCs on TITP and Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) is amilestone in brining the Pakistani work force to Japan. The Ambassador gave a presentation on the potential of
Pakistan’s labor market and the status of its emerging economy. He further stressed that such arrangements would
help to reduce the deficit of workforce in Japan and both countries would benefit. The Ambassador also appreciatedthe support of JITCO and hoped that the cooperation would continue in future to make the process a complete
success. The Senior Vice President of JITCO, Mr. Matsutomi also expressed the desire to make the process beneficialfor both the countries and making it a significant step in strengthening the bilateral relations between the twocountries.
Detailed presentations were also given by Mr. Tahir Habib Cheema, Trade and Investment Counsellor and Dr. Aamir
Murad, Executive Director on behalf of NAVTTC and NUTECH respectively. The Ambassador and the Senior Vice
President of JITCO also replied to the queries / questions posed by the audience.

6Ceremony to Declare Suginami City as the Host Town
for Pakistan’s Olympic Contingent
A ceremony was held in the Embassy of Pakistan, announcing Suginami City as the Host Town for Pakistan’s
Olympic Contingent for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and Paralympic Games.

The Mayor of Suginami City was the Guest of Honour during the occasion. Other guests included membersof the Suginami City Assembly as well as prominent members of the Pakistan Japan Association;
Representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan including select members of the Pakistan
Community were also present. The Ambassador in his welcome address expressed gratitude to theGovernment of Japan and the City of Suginami for hosting the Pakistan Olympic contingent. He identified
the different sports fields in which Pakistani athletes were expected to participate in the Tokyo 2020
Olympics and Paralympic Games. While highlighting the importance of sports in furthering bilateralcooperation between Pakistan and Japan, the Ambassador mentioned that this collaboration would be a
stepping stone towards deepening cultural ties between the two countries. He added that Pakistan canlearn a great deal from Japan’s know-how and high standards of excellence in the fields of sports. He also
specifically spoke about how the Pakistan community had been instrumental in popularizing cricket in Japanas a result of which the Japan under-19 cricket team had qualified for the under-19 Cricket World Cup for
the first time in its history. The Mayor in his address thanked the government of Pakistan for accepting
Suginami City as the Host Town for Pakistan’s Olympic Contingent. He mentioned that this was a great
opportunity for residents of Suginami City, especially children to interact first hand with Pakistani Olympic
athletes, the memories of which they will cherish throughout their lives. According to him, the initiative
would go a long way in promoting sports cooperation between the two countries. The ceremony concluded
with a formal announcement declaring Suginami City as Pakistan’s Host Town for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics
and Paralympic games.
7

Showcasing art of Wax painting at the Embassy of Pakistan
As part of its public diplomacy initiatives and efforts to promote art and culture, the Embassy ofPakistan, Tokyo organized an event to showcase Pakistani Art of Wax Painting. Mr. Fayyaz Ahmad,
an acclaimed wax painting artist, exhibited his unique art before the Japanese dignitaries andprominent members of the Pakistani Community. The live demonstration of this exquisite art
form was very well received by the audience.

Speaking to the audience, Ambassador Imtiaz Ahmad described the origins and development ofa wax painting in Pakistan. He added that wax painting could be put to good use in traditional
Japanese dresses like Kimono. He stressed on the importance of promoting such art forms forthe benefit of cultural cooperation between the two countries. The exhibition generated a keeninterest from the visitors including Japanese officials. Mr. Fayyaz Ahmad will also be invited
during Silk Road Exhibitions scheduled to be held in Tokyo in September 2020.

8