ISLAMABAD, April 30: Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi on Saturday appreciated the contribution of Japanese firms in Pakistan and vowed to further expand trade and economic ties between the two countries. Speaking at an exhibition of products manufactured in Pakistan with the cooperation of Japanese companies, Prime Minister Koizumi commended Pakistan’s economic progress and assured that Japan would continue its support for strengthening bilateral economic cooperation. The Japanese premier, along with Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz, went around the stalls at the exhibition held at a local hotel. He praised the successful joint ventures in various fields.

Koizumi said it was gratifying to see a large number of Japanese working in Pakistan and helping in the strengthening of the economy and manufacturing products being used in daily life.

He said such people-to-people contact and cooperation at various levels would further strengthen relations between the two countries. The Japanese leader said he had very useful and successful meetings with President Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz. He appreciated the political and economic stability in Pakistan and assured full cooperation and assistance from Japan.

Mr Koizumi said his visit to Pakistan would further develop and strengthen the bilateral relations in various fields. Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz, speaking briefly on the occasion, said that Pakistan was pleased to have over 60 Japanese companies working in the field of textile, automobile and engineering and added that Pakistan always welcomes foreign investment.

He said that excellent relations and joint ventures projects between the two countries were a source of strength for Pakistan and its people. He appreciated the aid package given by Japan and said the visit of Prime Minister Koizumi would be helpful in further promoting economic cooperation between the two countries.

Aziz said that Japan was a leading economy in the world and Pakistan would get full benefit from it. The two prime ministers were informed that the level of cooperation had been increasing with Japanese investment on the rise in various sectors.—APP