By NNN-APP,
Islamabad : President Pervez Musharraf stressed the need for more Japanese investments and imports from Pakistan to achieve balance in bilateral trade.
The President was talking to Japanese Foreign Minister Masahiko Koumura, who called on him here on Saturday.
He hoped that economic relations between the two countries will continue to grow.
The President thanked the Japanese government for continued assistance and support to Pakistan and mentioned that Pakistan and Japan are close friends and Japan is an important development partner of Pakistan.
President Musharraf said Japanese support to Pakistan and its investment have contributed to socio-economic development as well as regional peace and stability.
“Pakistan and Japan share the goals of peace and stability in Asia and the world.
“Pakistan highly values Japanese assistance for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the areas devastated by the earthquake of 2005”, he added.
The President said both the countries are cooperating with each other in the fight against terrorism and in this regard he mentioned Japanese assistance to Pakistani naval ships in the Operation Enduring Freedom.
President Musharraf referred to various mechanisms for bilateral cooperation between the two countries including Pakistan-Japan Business Forum that has set up a study group to examine the possibility of increased economic interaction including a Free Trade Agreement between Japan and Pakistan.
Pakistan has also ratified the Convention on Avoidance of Double Taxation with Japan and hopes that it would encourage the entrepreneurs to utilize the investment opportunities in Pakistan in sectors like energy, IT, telecom, automobile, transport and infrastructure, he added.
Japanese Foreign Minister congratulated the President on the democratic transition and expressed Japan’s support for Pakistan’s stability and economic progress.
The Foreign Minister stated that stability and development of Pakistan was linked with security and development of the region and the international community.
He appreciated President Musharraf’s contribution for the promotion of bilateral relations between the two countries and conveyed the greetings of Japanese leadership.
Japanese Foreign Minister reaffirmed his country’s resolve to strengthen bilateral relations and play an active role in the stability of the region by providing socio-economic assistance.
He expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s role in promising peace, security and regional stability and its contribution in the fight against terrorism and extremism.
The foreign minister said that Japan will contribute to the development of the Tribal Areas through assistance in education and health fields.
Being the chair of G-8 Summit, Japan will also apprise the other members of the efforts being made by Pakistan to counter terrorism and militancy with a view to assist these efforts, he added.
The Foreign Minister expressed his satisfaction over the growing economic relations between the two countries and said that Japan will continue to support Pakistan’s economic and social development.
Japanese business entities will be encouraged to explore more sectors for investments in Pakistan, he added.