CM Sindh, Japan’s Amb. agree to cooperate in fishery sector, automobile

Sher Afzal

KARACHI: On Monday, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah and Japanese Ambassador in Pakistan Kuninori Matsuda had a meeting to discuss IT development and IT-based youth exchange programs.

During the meeting both dignitaries agreed to work together for the development of fisheries, automobile and IT-based youth exchange programs from next year.

The official press release mentioned that this decision was taken in the meeting held between the two here at the CM House.

Highlighting investment opportunities the chief minister commented that there were multiple investment opportunities for Japanese investors in Sindh. “The provincial government encourages investment in the province directly or on the Public Private Partnership mode,” he said.

On the other hand the envoy  expressed his views by saying that they had selected automobile, fisheries and youth exchange programs in IT sectors.

Regarding the fishery sector, Chief Minister commented that his government was working to develop the fisheries sector on international standards. The press statement added that, CM commented, “We have best jetties and large fishermen settlements.’

CM Sindh was also of the view that it would be a great opportunity if Japanese investors come over to invest in the sector and use the latest technologies to further flourishing the fisheries sector.

Mentioning government’s role, CM assured that “If Japanese investors want to invest on their own, the government would not only welcome them but extend them complete support and if they intend the provincial government should become their partner, we would do it on PPP mode.”

The visiting envoy also showed his interest in establishment of Japanese automobile in Karachi or at a nearby area, the statement cited. The chief minister said that his government would welcome the investment. “Japanese automobile industry would have a vast market in the region if it is established here,” Murad said and added we have sea routes to export the automobiles to the nearby countries apart from meeting the national requirement.

During the meeting the envoy and CM Sindh Mural Ali Shah also had discussion over youth exchange programs, as an outcome, they agreed to bring out a detailed program for the exchange of skilled youth packages under which the IT students of different universities of the province would acquire necessary training in Japan.

On this matter, CM Murad Ali Shah commented that “This program would generate highly skilled youth for development of the IT industry in both the countries,” Syed Murad Ali Shah said.

Furthermore, the chief minister directed his Principal Secretary to develop coordination between the Japanese Embassy in Islamabad and the provincial Investment department to start official negotiations to materialize the projects.