ISLAMABAD, MAR 19 (DNA) -The 7th Japan-Pakistan High-Level Economic Policy Dialogue was held virtually on March 19, 2021. Mr. SUZUKI Hiroshi, Senior Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, and Mr. Noor Ahmed, Secretary of Ministry of Economic Affairs of Pakistan represented respective sides. The Ambassadors of two countries and officials from related Ministries and agencies also attended the dialogue.

In the dialogue, Japan and Pakistan exchanged views on the current state and issues of Pakistan’s economy, the promotion of investment in Pakistan and trade between Japan and Pakistan, and the possible areas of cooperation, in which both countries can work together for the social, economic and infrastructure development in view of Pakistan’s needs.

Mr. SUZUKI highlighted that Pakistan was the largest recipient country of Japanese grant aid throughout the world this fiscal year. H.E. MATSUDA Kuninori, Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan, said, “It was a great pleasure to have this dialogue today in this difficult situation due to COVID-19 and it proved the strength of cordial relations between our countries. The Embassy will follow up on the matters we discussed in coordination with Pakistani authorities”.

Particularly, Pakistan requested Japan’s cooperation on expanding exports from Pakistan to Japan for the correction of the trade imbalance between the two countries. In response, Japan requested Pakistan to further improve its investment environment to promote investment from Japan.

Both sides agreed to hold the 8th High-Level Economic Policy Dialogue in Tokyo face to face if the COVID-19 situation allows.=DNA

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