Pakistan has sought Japanese help for establishing a Vapour Heat Treatment Plant (VHT) to start commercial trade of fruit to various countries. Japan, which has approved Pakistani mango’s standard for import, has been asked to make an investment in the planned large VHT plant to be established in the country.
It is worth mentioning here that the available VHT plant provided by the foreign country has less capacity and used only for experimental purposes. Mangoes processed through the same plant has been approved and welcomed by both Japanese and US authorities this year. To start the commercial trade of the important fruit with various quality sensitive countries, Pakistan needs a larger plant. The government has already approved funds for the plant under the export development fund, while foreign/private investment was also sought to establish the plant. According to sources, Mr Daisuke Tsukao, Section Head (Asia and Pacific Division), Japanese Ministry of Economic, Trade & Industry (METI), who is heading the delegation to Pakistan, is currently on a visit to Karachi for exploring trade and investment opportunities in Karachi.
During a meeting with officials of Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), Mr Javed Anwar Khan, Secretary TDAP, briefed about government policies for creation of an enabling environment for foreign trade and investment cooperation between Japan and Pakistan. Secretary TDAP informed that the year 2012 would be 60th anniversary of establishing Pakistan-Japan diplomatic relations and TDAP will celebrate this in a befitting manner, while declaring Japan as a focus country with enhanced marketing and commercial activities for its trade promotion activities. Ms Wakana Kanikawa, Official of the Japanese foreign ministry, said this visit is a prelude to Pak-Japan high level joint economic dialogue to be held in Tokyo in March 2012, and their visit to Pakistan is to explore investment opportunities for Japanese investors in Pakistan. The Japanese delegation appreciated the positive outcome of the recent visit of Chief Executive TDAP Tariq Puri to Japan in July this year for positioning of Pakistani products in Japan.
Javed briefed them about investment potential in agriculture, especially rice, dates, fruit juices, seafood, and also mineral and metals. Mr Khan also sought Japanese assistance in establishing effective supply chain to overcome post-harvest losses. Kanikawa informed about Japanese plans to hold an investment seminar in Bangkok in August 2012 to persuade Japanese investors to explore potential in the Pakistani market. Secretary TDAP apprised that 20-25 Japanese businessmen are expected to attend EXPO Pakistan (October 20-23, 2011) in Karachi Expo Centre and their visit will be useful in cementing efforts of both governments in promotion of trade.
