PM Nawaz meets Japanese ambassador, seeks to start talks on FTA

ISLAMABAD - Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said on Wednesday that Pakistan looks forward to a greater level of cooperation with Japan particularly in the areas of trade, investment, infrastructure and energy.

He was talking to Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan Takashi Kurai in Islamabad, the Radio Pakistan reported.

The PM said that Pakistan regarded Japan as a close friend and a reliable economic partner. He said law and order situation in the country has significantly improved as a result of operation “Zarb-e-Azb” and Pakistan hopes Japan would review Pakistan’s inclusion in Travel Advisory list in this regard.

Nawaz Sharif said that both sides need to initiate negotiations on bilateral Free Trade Agreement (FTA). He pointed out that Japan may also consider a 3-4 year exception for Pakistani textiles under its Temporary Tariff Measures to bring Pakistan at par with its competitors, which enjoy free access to Japanese market.

The Prime Minister welcomed companies from Japan to invest in Pakistan that would enhance the capacity of Pakistan industrial sector to produce value added goods.

Ambassador of Japan appreciated Pakistan’s economic growth. He said Pakistan’s perception particularly in Japan has changed to a business-friendly country.

The ambassador added that Japan gives importance to investment security, infrastructure and business friendly environment and in all three aspects Pakistan has achieved marked improvement.