ISLAMABAD:
Special Assistant to the Prime Minister for Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar Khan on Tuesday addressed the Japan-Pakistan Business Forum, reaffirming that relations between the two countries are not limited to diplomacy but represent a strong, mature, and forward-looking economic partnership built on mutual trust and shared prosperity.
Addressing the forum in the presence of Japan Ambassador Akamatsu Shuichi, and business leaders from both countries, Haroon Akhtar said that the message of Allama Iqbal continues to guide Pakistan’s national vision. Quoting Iqbal’s famous verse about looking towards the rising sun of the East, he remarked that Japan’s journey stands as a living proof of how vision, discipline, and continuous improvement can transform a nation into a global economic leader. He stated that Pakistan is keen to learn from Japan’s experiences and apply them to chart a new course of sustainable industrial development.
Addressing concerns raised by Japanese investors, he assured the forum that the government was serious, proactive, and fully engaged in resolving issues related to tax refunds, exports, and regulatory hurdles. “Pakistan is listening, and Pakistan is acting,” he emphasised, adding that continuous dialogue with investors remained a priority to ensure a stable and enabling business environment.
The SAPM said Pakistan had embarked on comprehensive industrial reforms aimed at making growth sustainable, inclusive, and export-led. He highlighted that Special Economic Zones, offering one-window facilitation, along with regulatory reforms under the “Regulatory Guillotine” initiative, were eliminating unnecessary laws and red tape to create a more investor-friendly framework.
