Osaka governor calls for strengthening Pak-Japan economic ties

ISLAMABAD: Governor of Osaka Prefecture of Japan Ichiro Matsui on Thursday called on Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mehmood Qureshi in the federal capital and expressed his desire to further strengthen economic cooperation between Pakistan and Japan.   

According to a statement released by the ministry, the Osaka’s governor congratulated Shah Mehmood Qureshi over assuming the office and asked for Pakistan’s support to have a sister-province arrangement between Pakistan and Japan. He also solicited support of Pakistan for Japan’s bid to host World Expo 2025.

While acknowledging the position of Japan as an important development partner, Qureshi appreciated the contributions made by Japan in supporting Pakistan’s development efforts over the years.

He encouraged the Japanese investors to grab the new opportunities available in Pakistan for deepening trade and investment ties in the wake of the improved security environment.

The foreign minister said that Pakistan fully understands that Japan and in particular Osaka has the capability to host World Expo 2025.

He assured that Japan’s request for support to host Expo-2025 and the proposal of having sister-province arrangement would be given due consideration.