Tokyo: Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that Japan can address its labour shortages in key sectors by opening avenues for skilled Pakistani workers.

Speaking at Asian Development Bank Institute on topic Pakistan and Japan in Asian Context, he said by leveraging their respective strengths and collaborating on regional initiatives, two countries can also catalyse growth and development of SAARC.

Bilawal said Pakistan and Japan should join hands to create robust and efficient infrastructure network to boost regional connectivity and enhance trade volumes across entire region.

He said our joint efforts can help foster closer cooperation, enhance regional stability and unlock untapped potential of SAARC member countries, leading to shared progress and prosperity for entire region.

He said there can be no peace in South Asia until region’s core dispute of Jammu and Kashmir is resolved through dialogue and in accordance with UN Security Council Resolutions. He said Pakistan has always been ready to work towards such resolution. Tragically, Pakistan does not have partner for peace in South Asia. He said India is in grip of form of religious hysteria that has closed out any space for dialogue and diplomacy. As regards Afghanistan, Foreign Minister said Pakistan and Japan can contribute to stable, secure and prosperous Afghanistan. He said Japan’s expertise in development assistance and Pakistan’s geographical proximity to Afghanistan can create opportunities for joint efforts in providing humanitarian aid and promoting sustainable development.

He said that Pakistan also wants to benefit from Technical Intern Training Programme and Specified Skilled Workers programme of Japan. He pointed out that Pakistan has large pool of highly skilled professionals, particularly in fields of information technology, engineering, healthcare and hospitality. By opening avenues for skilled Pakistani workers, He said, Japan can tap into this talent pool and address its labour shortages in key sectors.

He said there is immense potential for collaboration in trade, investment, agriculture, infrastructure and services.

Published in The Daily National Courier, July, 04 2023

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