Dr. Rasheed Ahmed Khan (IR Expert): Pakistan and Japan enjoy deep rooted and long term relations. Japan has been contributing to Pakistan’s development for last several decades. The upcoming visit of Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari will help resolve some of the current economic challenges Pakistan is facing. Japan is an active member of IMF, World Bank and other important international financial institutions. Japan is a peaceful country and is an economic giant in Asia. It has exported quality products to many countries of Asia and Africa. In recent years, it has also become interested in helping the developing countries to improve their economic conditions. Japan has helped in capacity building of many Pakistani institutions and manpower from the country. The bilateral relations between Pakistan and Japan will further strengthen in the years to come.

Dr. Noor Fatima (Political Economist): Pakistan has been pursuing a vibrant foreign policy that will also result in economic gains. Recently, Pakistan successfully made a deal with Russia for the supply of oil. The upcoming visit of Bilawal Bhutto Zardari to Japan is also part of this foreign policy. Pakistan is a big market of Japanese cars and electronic products. Similarly, Pakistani fruits and raw material make their entries into Japan. Pakistani diaspora is also present in Japan and contributing to the Asian country’s economic development. Japan has provided trainings and scholarships to Pakistani students in the last many years. It has also provided equipment and built infrastructure of Pakistani institutions.