ISLAMABAD: Japanese Ambassador to Pakistan has informed the Adviser on Finance, Dr Abdul Hafeez Shaikh, that his country is interested in importing agri-products - mangoes, rice - fish and textile from Pakistan and wanted to help the country by providing debt relief for which an MoU would signed as soon as preliminary work is done. Japanese Ambassador to Pakistan Kuninori Matsuda called on the Adviser to the Prime Minister on Finance Tuesday and informed him that Japan intends to extend business relations with Pakistan as well as wants to import mangoes, rice, fish, and textile products.
The ambassador requested to make arrangements at the ports that could facilitate agri-product exports.
The adviser, according to the Finance Ministry was further informed that Japan will extend help to Pakistan in providing debt relief and after the preliminary work on the initiative; an MOU will be formally signed with Pakistan.
An official said that preliminary work means ascertaining the details about the amount of loans provided by Japan along with sectoral details, and as soon as new government assumes office the extension in repayment of debt is expected to materialise.
The Adviser on Finance welcomed the interest shown by his country in import of Pakistani products and help offered in debt relief, and stated that Japan is a time-tested friend of Pakistan and has always supported the country.
He expressed confidence that Pakistan's relationship with Japan will continue to become stronger with every passing day.
The ambassador thanked the adviser for his support and good wishes and expressed condolences on the loss of lives and property during the recent rains in Pakistan.
He expressed hope that with the regional peace and stable political situation regional trade will flourish, offering better opportunities to Pakistan.
The adviser apprised the ambassador on the state of the economy during the past year and how the government had made efforts to mitigate the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The adviser apprised that before Covid-19 pandemic, our economy had started to move in the right direction.
We had been successful in increasing our tax revenues, controlling our current account deficit, have generated primary surplus, controlled our expenditures, put a ban on borrowing from central bank and had been successful in creating conducive environment for exports.
He said he is very hopeful that Pakistan would regain stability and equilibrium as the numbers of active corona cases are declining.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2020