Supplements Print edition: 2026-02-23

His Majesty Japan’s Emperor Naruhito’s 66th Birthday & National Day of Japan: Message from Itaru Nakamura, Senior Vice Chairman Pakistan-Japan Business Forum

Published February 23, 2026 Updated February 23, 2026 03:58am

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As Senior Vice Chairman of the Pakistan Japan Business Forum, I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations on the 66th birthday of His Majesty Emperor Naruhito.

In recent years, Japan and Pakistan have further deepened their cooperative relations in various fields such as economy, politics, and culture.

First, at the World Expo held in Osaka from March 2025, Pakistan held a very wonderful exhibition under the name “Universe in a Grain of Salt” featuring Pakistan’s specialty pink salt, which was highly praised by about 1.8 million visitors, and was awarded the Bronze Medal for its high artistry and creativity. I think this has greatly contributed to attracting interest in Pakistan from Japan and overseas and making it aware of its wonders.

I believe that the visit of many Pakistani dignitaries to Japan in 2026, including Federal Minister of Commerce HE Jam Kamal Khan, Special Adviser to Prime Minister HE Haroon Akhtar, and Chief Minister of Punjab HE Maryam Nawaz on the occasion of the Expo Osaka-Kansai 2025, has also had a great effect on further deepening bilateral relations.

On January 15, 2026, the 10th Japan-Pakistan Private Sector Business Dialogue was held in Tokyo co-hosted by Japan-Pakistan Business Cooperation Committee and Pakistan Japan Business Forum, and on the next day, January 16, the 8th Japan-Pakistan Public-Private Joint Dialogue was held followed by Japan Pakistan Business Forum held by Japan External Trade Organization. These ongoing dialogues are expected to contribute not only to strengthening bilateral relations but also to regional stability and development.

Pakistan’s economic environment, supported by political stability and foreign aid including IMF loans, is entering a recovery period from 2024 onward, with expectations of exchange rate stability, the end of inflation, lower interest rates, and an increase in foreign currency reserves. Further economic growth and the expansion of foreign investment are anticipated. In particular, regarding mineral resources, the development project of the RekoDiq gold and copper mine in Baluchistan is progressing, and the fact that Komatsu, a Japanese construction machinery manufacturer, signed a contract to supply large-scale mining equipment is a symbolic event for strengthening future relations between Japan and Pakistan. The Pakistan Japan Business Forum, in cooperation with related organizations including Embassy of Japan in Pakistan, Consulate General of Japan in Karachi and Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Pakistan, aims to further contribute to expanding economic exchange.

I sincerely hope that Japan and Pakistan will continue to deepen mutual understanding and trust and work towards further development of cooperative relations.

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