ISLAMABAD: Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar on Tuesday assured Japanese automobile manufacturers that the government would address their concerns to deepen and sustain industrial cooperation, telling them that Islamabad was committed to creating an enabling environment for long-term investment.

“Pakistan is listening, and Pakistan is acting,” Mr Akhtar said, assuring Japanese firms that their issues would be taken up “in partnership with stakeholders” to ensure continued, mutually beneficial cooperation.

Mr Akhtar was speaking at the Japan-Pakistan Business Seminar 2026, which brought together government officials, business leaders, universities, and the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Pakistan, Japan Interna­tional Cooperation Agency and the Japan External Trade Organisation.

He said the automotive sector remained one of the most visible and impactful areas of economic cooperation between Japan and Pakistan, noting that Japa­nese automakers had been operating in the country for decades and had played a central role in shaping its industrial landscape.

“Japanese automakers have been at the forefront of Pakistan’s automotive industry, creating jobs, transferring technology and supporting local supply chains,” Mr Akhtar said. Companies such as Toyota, Suzuki and Honda, he added, had contributed not only to vehicle production but also to parts manufacturing, logistics, dealerships and service networks.

Mr Akhtar acknowledged, however, that recent engagements with Japanese automakers had highlighted concerns about tax refunds and export-related hurdles, underscoring the need for continuous dialogue and streamlined processes to support long-term growth.

“We are committed to addressing these concerns in partnership with stakeholders, ensuring that Japan’s industrial participation in Pakistan remains robust, competitive, and mutually beneficial,” Mr Akhtar said.

Japanese Ambassador to Pakistan Akamatsu Shuichi said Japanese automotive companies had made a substantial and lasting contribution to Pakistan’s economy and would continue to do so.

“Japanese automotive companies have created more than 100,000 jobs in Pakistan and have established domestic supply chains to localise automotive components,” he added.

Published in Dawn, February 11th, 2026