A Pakistani company has been exporting traditional rickshaws to Japan where they are used for fun and leisure.

Sazgar Engineering, a private manufacturer of rickshaws, has been exporting its 4 Stroke CNG Auto Rickshaws and Automotive to markets in Japan for some time now.

According to Ismail, the sales head at Sazgar Engineering, locally manufactured rickshaws are famous in Japan for their traditional and colourful art.

Furthermore, he added, the rickshaws' small size makes them perfect for commuting in the narrow streets of Japan and are used by citizen's there for travelling short distances.

Ismail said that the rickshaws fit Japan's high road safety standards, adding that they are the only three-wheelers allowed on Japanese highways

The rickshaw's run at a speed of 50 kilometres per hour, he added.

He said that Pakistan needs to capitalise on the rickshaw market and expand its exports.

"The appeal and quality of the vehicles should be maintained and improved for the growth of the market."

Sazgar Engineering company was incorporated in September 1991 as a private limited company, but later it converted into a public limited company in November 1994.

For years, Pakistan has been importing automobiles from Japan and Toyota, Honda, Suzuki have become household names in the country.