'Pakistani products need to make more inroads in Japan'

BR: In your opinion, how can trade ties between Pakistan and Japan be enhanced?
Counsel General: So far we have been mainly importing cotton and cotton yarn from Pakistan and exporting industrial goods, electronics and electrical products and components utilised by the automobile industry. We have been analysing how trade between the two countries can be enhanced. We have found that trade patterns are changing.
Our total trade volume is between $1.5-2 billion, with a sizeable deficit from Pakistan's perspective. In order to bring about a better balance in trade balances between the two countries, Pakistani products need to make more inroads in Japan.
The question is whether or not Pakistani firms can make more productive and more efficient products so that they may make inroads in the Japanese market. As such products and services are developed here; Pakistani suppliers will find that the Japanese market holds a lot of potential if they can meet the quality and price conscious needs of customers there.
I believe that the introduction of technology can really boost the quality and the competitiveness of Pakistani products which would in turn make them more attractive in international markets. By implementing technology in various sectors, there will also be job creation in Pakistan.
Political stability, availability of electricity supplies and adequate infrastructure are all necessary conditions to attract foreign investments. Government's policies should be consistent over long periods of times; five years or ten years. Take the example of the Japanese automobile industry.
They are now quite established in Pakistan and have created thousands of jobs in the country. But by promoting the import of used cars to the country, this industry may be impacted adversely. So by improving these factors, Pakistan can boost foreign investments into its economy.
BR: Within the automobile sector, Japanese manufacturers can produce cars here and export them to Central Asia. In your opinion what is the viability of such an endeavour?
CG: Based on this country's location, it has the potential to develop as a gateway to Central Asian states. But again, the key issue remains political stability and good relations with neighbouring countries. Some of these issues cannot be controlled by Pakistan alone, for example the situation in Afghanistan.
Although these issues will take some time to be resolved, however once those countries are more stable Pakistan will be much better geared to tap these markets. We can say that this country is in a transition period and that time will come. So the focus should be on developing the requisite skills and infrastructure to capitalise on these emerging markets.
BR: Many Pakistanis are working in the Middle East and other countries, since we have a sizeable youth population. What is the scope for Pakistanis to work in Japan?
CG: The population of Japan has started to decrease so in the future we may have a higher need to bring in more people to take up some jobs. There is already a significant inflow of workers in the welfare sector. As we have an aging population, there is a rising trend of health service professionals and others who can help take care of the elderly.
Again, even in human resources the quality is very important. Sincerity, honesty, dedication, discipline and consideration for others are all prerequisite skills for labour. These qualities are at least as important as technical skills that can be taught to prospective workers. The people of Pakistan are gentle and kind so by developing these qualities they can seek more jobs not just in Japan but also in other countries.
Back in 1962, Japan was being described as a miracle and we had a high proportion of youth in our population. Currently China is going through a similar phase as where Japan was fifty years ago. But that does not mean that the Japanese economy is losing its strength. Wage levels and the strength of the Japanese Yen are testaments of the continuing progress of our economy.
However a lot of the manufacturing processes such as automobile manufacturing are now trying to cut costs and have shifted to Korea, China, Vietnam, Bangladesh and India. So I think that this is the way to go in Pakistan as well. By becoming competitive in select sectors, investments can be attracted here, which will bring jobs to the country. Japan can help Pakistan develop skills and technologies indigenously to help this economy along the path of economic progress.
BR: Please give us your view on the cultural ties between the two countries
CG: Every country has its own unique culture and customs but when you dig deeper you find that human values have a lot in common across borders. By sharing cultural experiences, both countries can benefit a lot. For example the philosophy that is prevalent in Japanese culture is often quite different from Western philosophy and learning about it can provide a very different and fresh perspective to anyone who is interested.
Person to person relationships are the foundation of any kind of activity so it is extremely important to encourage better understanding of each other's culture. We have been organising cultural events in Pakistan for a long time but previously these had been rather unorganised and limited.
Lately we have also stepped up our efforts to present the Japanese culture to the people of this country. We organised an event very recently at the Karachi Arts Council which was attended by about 4000 people, which was very encouraging to see as many people are quite interested in learning more about Japan. Japan is eager to help Pakistan in all possible ways. The government should demonstrate willingness and ability to address outstanding issues such as the energy crisis and political instability. That is how a strong sense of ownership and of assuming responsibility will emerge to give confidence to investors everywhere to come here and establish more business opportunities.