Japan, Sindh agree to expand cooperation in investment, education

KARACHI, Mar 25 (APP): Sindh Governor Nehal Hashmi met Consul-General of Japan in Karachi Hattori Masaru at the Governor House on Wednesday, where both sides discussed enhancing bilateral cooperation in key sectors.

The Japanese envoy congratulated the Governor on assuming office, said a news release.

During the meeting, they held detailed discussions on Pakistan-Japan relations, particularly cooperation in education, technology and investment.

Matters relating to Japan International Cooperation Agency projects and the Karachi Circular Railway also came under discussion, along with proposals to further expand youth exchange programmes.

Speaking on the occasion, the Governor said Pakistan was keen to benefit from Japan’s advanced technology. He noted that there were vast opportunities for Japanese investment in mining, oil and coal, fisheries and agriculture sectors.

He added that enhanced cooperation in the IT sector could help boost exports, while Pakistan offered a skilled workforce for foreign investors. He also hinted at organising a Pakistan-Japan business conference at the Governor House in the near future.

The consul-general said Japan had been supporting Pakistan for several years in education, health and food sectors. He added that assistance was being provided to Al-Khair School, while grassroots-level projects under the Green Route Human Security initiative were also under way in Sindh.

He noted that over 1,800 Pakistani students were currently studying at Japanese universities, adding that the Japanese government announced scholarship programmes annually, benefiting hundreds of students. He said Japanese students were also pursuing education in Pakistani institutions.

The envoy further said Japanese investors had shown interest in Pakistan at business forums, while various cultural, flower and other festivals were regularly organised in Karachi with Japan’s support.