ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Wednesday offered facilitation to Japanese banks and investors, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif telling the Director General of Mining and Metal Finance at the Japan Bank for International Cooperation that his government would extend “all possible support” to boost investment in key sectors.
The offer comes as Pakistan steps up economic diplomacy to expand trade ties and attract foreign capital after emerging from a prolonged financial crisis that nearly pushed it into default in mid-2023.
Islamabad has since set up the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), a civil-military body designed to cut red tape and provide a one-window operation for businesses.
“Pakistan and Japan have a long history of cooperation in industry and trade, and both countries are determined to renew their economic partnership,” the prime minister said during a meeting with the visiting Japanese official, Taro Kato, according to a statement from his office.
“Pakistan will provide every possible facilitation to Japanese investors and banks investing in the country,” he continued. “In agriculture, IT, textiles and other sectors, Pakistan can benefit considerably from Japanese innovation and professional expertise.”
