Pakistani Minister for Overseas & Japanese Ambassador Commit to Strengthen Pak-Japan Ties

Pakistani Minister for Overseas & Japanese Ambassador Commit to Strengthen Pak-Japan Ties

Chaudhry Salik Hussain, Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development, held a pivotal meeting with Japanese Ambassador Akamatsu Shuichi on Tuesday to discuss ways to further strengthen Pak-Japan relations and explore new opportunities for economic cooperation.

The two leaders highlighted the long-standing economic partnership between Pakistan and Japan and emphasized the importance of renewing their relationship, especially in terms of economic collaboration. Minister Hussain suggested enhanced cooperation in technical assistance and proposed the establishment of a joint technical college in Pakistan to provide young people with skills tailored to the Japanese job market.

The Minister extended an invitation to Japanese companies to invest in Pakistan, particularly to train local workers in skills suited to Japan’s labor demands. He also highlighted the importance of initiatives such as the Technical Intern Training Program and the Specified Skilled Workers Program, aimed at developing a skilled workforce.

Recognizing Japan’s reputation for its adherence to strict regulations, the Minister expressed interest in leveraging Japanese expertise to train Pakistan’s human resources and establish testing facilities in Pakistan. He shared Pakistan’s success in collaborating with South Korea, where the number of Pakistanis going to South Korea for employment has risen from 1,500 to 5,000, with around 20-30 workers from Balochistan also heading there. He emphasized that similar opportunities could arise with Japan by establishing testing centers in Pakistan to increase the number of Pakistanis working in Japan.

Mr. Muhammad Tayyab, Director General of BE&OE, mentioned that with testing facilities in Pakistan, the number of Pakistanis going to Japan could significantly rise. He noted that approximately 1,500 Pakistanis went to Japan last year, with the numbers decreasing to 1,100 in 2023 and 900 in 2022. Mr. Naseer Khan Kashani, Managing Director of OEC, added that Pakistan has also sent Assistant Language Teachers to Japan, with around 67 individuals currently in the process of completing their formalities.

In his remarks, Ambassador Akamatsu Shuichi praised Pakistan’s resilience and growth potential, reaffirming Japan’s commitment to supporting Pakistan’s economic progress. He emphasized the significance of human resource development, education, and vocational training in fostering sustainable growth. The Ambassador also expressed Japan’s interest in helping establish vocational training institutes in Pakistan, designed to equip young people with the skills required for Japan’s competitive job market.

Both Minister Hussain and Ambassador Shuichi agreed that Pak-Japan relations are on the verge of a significant boost, with a strong focus on economic cooperation, human resource development, and mutual growth. The meeting was also attended by Mr. Tahir Mehmood Qureshi, Deputy Secretary OP&HRD.