October 21, 2001	Sunday	Shaba'an 3, 1422

ISLAMABAD, Oct 20: Commerce Minister Abdul Razak Dawood on Saturday said that Japan was a major trading partner of Pakistani exports and collaborating in automotive industry.

The minister was talking to Sadaaki Numata, ambassador of Japan, who called on him here and discussed with him matters pertaining to bilateral trade.

The minister gave an overview of the economic and trade activities. Razak said that the incident had affected Pakistan’s export adversely.

However, he expressed the hope that as European Union has proposed for greater trade relations through increased textile quota and removal of duties, Japan government will also come forward with the same gesture.

Possibilities for joint ventures in towel manufacturing and production of suits/jackets in Pakistan were also discussed.

The Japanese envoy assured the minister that his government would undertake all possible steps to further boost the trade relations and facilitate the Pakistani exporters in the areas of textile, fruits and sports goods.