Japan Hosts High-Level Forum to Strengthen Integration of Pakistani Workforce

Japan’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Akamatsu Shuichi, hosted the ‘Pakistan-Japan Human Resources Stakeholders Meeting’ at his residence, gathering nearly 70 influential participants focused on enhancing employment opportunities for Pakistani professionals in Japan.

Key Pakistani officials in attendance included Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development Chaudhry Salik Hussain, Minister of State for IT and Telecom Shaza Fatima Khawaja, and Minister of State for Overseas Pakistanis Mohammad Awn Saqlain. The event also featured prominent Japanese and Pakistani organizations from both public and private sectors.

Leading institutions such as Plus W, Proud Partners, the Japan-Pakistan Innovation Institute (JPII), Japan Station, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) participated in discussions aimed at expanding the deployment of skilled Pakistani workers to Japan in high-demand sectors including IT, healthcare, agriculture, construction, and manufacturing.

Ambassador Akamatsu highlighted the growing recognition of Pakistani talent within Japan’s labor market. He emphasized that increased Pakistani workforce participation not only addresses Japan’s demand for skilled labor but also supports Pakistan’s economy through remittances and skill transfer.

The Ambassador also praised the Pakistan Pavilion at the Osaka-Kansai Expo, constructed with pink Himalayan salt, as a standout attraction symbolizing Pakistan’s cultural richness. He encouraged more Pakistani citizens to explore Japan’s advanced, human-centric technologies.

Minister Chaudhry Salik Hussain welcomed the deepening bilateral collaboration and acknowledged the success of the Overseas Employment Corporation’s (OEC) partnership with Plus W under the Specified Skilled Workers (SSW) program. Minister Shaza Fatima underscored Pakistan’s impressive performance at Japan IT Week, where 15 companies secured contracts exceeding $600,000.