Japanese ambassador calls on Shehbaz Sharif

LAHORE: Japanese Ambassador Takashi Kurai on Thursday called on Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif here.

During the meeting, different matters of mutual interest, including promotion of bilateral relations and expansion of cooperation, came under discussion.

Talking on the occasion, the chief minister appreciated the fact the Japanese nation had tremendously progressed with its hardwork and maintained that he was an admirer of Japanese hardwork. He said that cordial relations existed between Pakistan and Japan and there was a need to adopt effective steps for further promoting trade and economic relations. The volume of bilateral trade between the two counties was needed to be enhanced as well, he added.

The chief minister said that energy crisis had been overcome by the incumbent government and added that Japanese cooperation with the Punjab government for improving education, healthcare and civic amenities was praiseworthy.

There was a great potential of investment in different sectors in the province, including education, health and energy fields, he added.

He said the most conducive atmosphere had been developed for investment and due to the policy of the government to maintain transparency at every level, a large number of foreign investors were taking interest in investment here and Japan could also take full benefit of different opportunities of investment.

Japanese Ambassador Takashi Kurai observed that Pakistan Japan relations were needed to be transformed into economic cooperation and they were desirous of further promoting relations with Pakistan. The economic cooperation between Pakistan and Japan will be further enhanced, he added.