ISLAMABAD: Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar on Tuesday assured Japanese automobile manufacturers that the government would address their concerns to strengthen and sustain industrial cooperation, reiterating Pakistan commitment to creating an enabling environment for long-term investment.
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Speaking at the Japan-Pakistan Business Seminar 2026, Mr Akhtar said the government was fully aware of the issues faced by Japanese firms and was actively working to resolve them through collaboration with all stakeholders. “Pakistan is listening, and Pakistan is acting,” he said, adding that the aim was to ensure continued and mutually beneficial cooperation with Japanese investors.
The seminar brought together senior government officials, business leaders, representatives from universities, and organisations including the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Pakistan, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO).
President Asif Ali Zardari on Tuesday reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthening bilateral ties in the fields of development, technology, and people-to-people exchanges.
“Pakistan and Japan enjoy a relationship rooted in decades of trust, mutual respect, and… pic.twitter.com/1hgGMCNznJ
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Mr Akhtar highlighted the automotive sector as one of the most prominent examples of economic collaboration between Japan and Pakistan. He noted that Japanese automakers had been operating in the country for decades and had played a vital role in shaping Pakistan’s industrial base. Companies such as Toyota, Suzuki and Honda, he said, had contributed significantly not only to vehicle manufacturing but also to parts production, logistics, dealership networks and after-sales services.
Acknowledging recent concerns raised by Japanese manufacturers, Mr Akhtar said issues related to tax refunds and export procedures required focused attention and streamlined processes. He stressed that continuous dialogue was essential to support long-term growth and maintain investor confidence.
“We are committed to addressing these concerns in partnership with stakeholders, ensuring that Japan’s industrial participation in Pakistan remains robust, competitive and sustainable,” he added.
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Japanese Ambassador to Pakistan Akamatsu Shuichi also addressed the seminar, saying Japanese automotive companies had made a substantial and lasting contribution to Pakistan’s economy. He noted that these companies had created more than 100,000 jobs and established strong domestic supply chains by localising automotive components, a contribution he said would continue in the future.