Pakistan, Japan Explore Strategic Ties, Workforce Cooperation
The proposed partnership between Pakistan and Japan is expected to address labor shortages, enhance defense cooperation, and facilitate the exchange of skilled workers, with a focus on areas such as artificial intelligence and language training, and also includes infrastructure development projects like the construction of a link road in Mansehra.
Senator Nadeem Bhutto highlighted the potential for Pakistan's youth to address Japan's labor shortage, estimated at 3.4 million workers in 2023, during a meeting with a Japanese business delegation at Parliament House.
The discussion focused on the need for a strategic partnership between the two countries, with proposed collaboration in areas such as artificial intelligence. The Japanese Business Delegation expressed interest in expanding trade, human resource cooperation, and partnerships, but noted the language barrier as a challenge. To address this, they proposed engaging Japanese language instructors to provide training to Pakistani workers.
The meeting also discussed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding for advancing bilateral dialogue, enhancing defense cooperation, and facilitating the exchange of skilled workers. This development is expected to further strengthen the relationship between Pakistan and Japan, with potential benefits for both countries.
In a separate event, Japan's Ambassador to Pakistan, Akamatsu Shuichi, inaugurated a project to pave a 3,800-foot link road in Jhandwal, Shinkiari, Mansehra, with a grant of $56,418 from Japan's Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects. The road, constructed by Saibaan Development Organisation, provides a safe route to school for 330 children.
The initiatives undertaken by Pakistan and Japan demonstrate a commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and exploring opportunities for cooperation in various fields, including trade, education, and human resource development. As the two countries continue to engage in dialogue and collaboration, the potential for mutual benefit and growth is significant.