ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari on Monday said Pakistan was a natural route for trade and energy corridors for central and West Asia and invited Japanese investors to avail investment opportunities in the Special Economic Zones (SEZ). He was talking to Japanese Ambassador in Pakistan Chihiro Atsumi who called on the President at the Aiwan-e-Sadr. Matters relating to Pak-Japan bilateral relations, mutual cooperation in various areas with particular focus on the promotion of trade and investment ties between the two countries and President’s upcoming visit to Japan were discussed during the meeting.The President said Pakistan highly values its friendly relations with Japan and regards it as vital friend and development partner.He appreciated the recent decision of Japanese government for import of quality mangoes from Pakistan and said it would further boost bilateral trade between the two countries.The President said Pakistan produces best quality mangoes and have already gained access to the markets of US, UK, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Singapore and some other countries.He said cooperation between the two countries needs to be further enhanced and asked for Japanese assistance in five broad areas including trade, development, security, energy and institution building. He also urged for further enhancing the currently existing trade volume between the two countries.
The President while commenting on investment friendly environment established by the present government said that Pakistan is a natural route for trade and energy corridors for central and West Asia and invited Japanese investors to avail investment opportunities in special economic zones (SEZ) established in Pakistan exclusively for Japanese investors.The government will ensure every facility and foolproof security to local and foreign investors in Pakistan.The President expressed the hope that his forthcoming visit to Japan will further jack up bilateral cooperation and open up new areas for trade and investment between the two countries.Ambassador Chihiro Atsumi expressed the hope that Pak-Japan bilateral cooperation will touch new heights with increased trade and investment to the mutual benefit.e also assured continued support of the Japanese government in combating terrorism, rehabilitation of flood affected people and revival of the war and flood damaged economy of Pakistan – AAP
