The 8th Pakistan–Japan Government–Business Joint Dialogue and the Pakistan Business Forum were held in Tokyo on Friday, marking the first convening of the Dialogue in the city since December 2018.
The Joint Dialogue was co-chaired by Rana Ihsaan Afzal Khan, Coordinator to the Prime Minister of Pakistan on Commerce and Industry, and Takuo Komori, Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan. Abdul Hameed, Ambassador of Pakistan to Japan, participated alongside senior officials and private-sector representatives from both countries, including members of the Pakistan–Japan Business Forum (PJBF) and the Japan–Pakistan Business Co-operation Committee (JPBCC). Approximately 80 participants attended.
During the Dialogue, both sides exchanged views on strengthening bilateral economic relations, focusing on improving the trade and investment environment and advancing practical cooperation. The Pakistani side outlined economic priorities and highlighted opportunities in sectors such as minerals and mining, agricultural and agri-food products, and information technology. The Japanese side discussed the operating environment for Japanese companies in Pakistan and identified areas for continued engagement to facilitate business activity.
Participants reaffirmed the importance of sustained government-to-government engagement, supported by close coordination with the private sector, to advance mutually beneficial economic cooperation.
Following the Joint Dialogue, the Pakistan Business Forum was held, co-organized by the Embassy of Pakistan in Tokyo and the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), with support from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan. The Forum was attended by Japanese and Pakistani business leaders.
The Forum featured remarks by Okumura Akiko, Executive Vice President of JETRO, and Takuo Komori, as well as a message from Akira Terakawa, Chairman of the Japan–Pakistan Business Co-operation Committee. Rana Ihsaan Afzal Khan delivered remarks as Guest of Honour.
The Forum included sectoral presentations highlighting practical cooperation. Komatsu outlined ongoing and planned engagement in Pakistan’s mining sector, including long-term operations, technology deployment, and workforce development. Pak Suzuki Motor Company presented its biogas pilot initiative, focused on converting agricultural and livestock waste into alternative fuel and organic fertilizer. The Trade and Investment Counsellor of the Embassy of Pakistan in Tokyo delivered a presentation titled “From Trade to Investment: Building Japan–Pakistan Joint Value Chains.”
Closing remarks were delivered by Abdul Hameed, emphasizing the importance of sustained engagement, trust-building, and long-term partnership in advancing economic cooperation. He referred to the 2025 JETRO Survey on Business Conditions of Japanese Companies Operating Overseas, noting improved profitability outlook and expansion intentions among Japanese firms operating in Pakistan, reflecting growing business confidence and medium-term investment interest.
The successful conduct of the Dialogue and Business Forum was supported by the active participation of the Pakistan–Japan Business Forum, led by Murtaza Mandviwalla, ensuring strong private-sector engagement from both sides.
