On behalf of the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), it is a matter of pride and honour to acknowledge the 60th year of Pakistan-Japan Ties. The extent of Pakistan-Japan friendship during these past 60 years is amply manifested by the fact that Japan remains the single largest investment partner as well as the largest donor country for Pakistan. I wish to extend felicitations to the citizens of both countries on this auspicious with occasion the hope that our time tested friendship grows and prospers in the years to come.
As with all other fields of Pakistan-Japan co-operation; Trade too has been a focus of attention between the two countries and the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan will continue to play its role in furthering the existing mutually beneficial trade ties between the two nations. Currently, the Pakistan-Japan bilateral trade stands at US $1,825 million, though tilted in favour of Japan, but there exists tremendous opportunities for growth in exports from Pakistan with the co-operation of our Japanese friends.
TDAP being the premier trade development and promotion organisation of the Government of Pakistan, whose prime task is to market the quality products of Pakistan to the global marketplace and to make use of full realisation of true export potential of Pakistan. Diversification and value-addition of our export products, has lagged behind the desired levels, which has kept back Pakistan from a quantum leap in exports.
TDAP has been participating in Japan Fashion Week exhibitions to introduce the high quality Pakistani products into Japanese market. Moreover, TDAP is also working towards the establishment of Vapor heat Treatment plant in Karachi to export the mangoes to Japan on commercial basis. TDAP is also encouraging the Pakistani exporters of Rice to venture into the value added products and by-products of Rice for the Japanese consumers. These endeavours will substantially contribute towards giving further impetus to Pakistan's exports to Japan. I once again would like to extend my heartfelt felicitations to the citizens of both countries on the 60th Year of our Friendship.