SIALKOT: Yamamoto Masanori, mayor of Kibichuo town of Japan, has stressed upon collective efforts to develop SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) sectors between Japan and Pakistan, saying the SMEs played a backbone role in the Japanese economy.

Mr Masanori stated this at a meeting of exporters and SMEs at the Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) on Friday.

The Japanese mayor added that his country intended to develop strong cultural, trade and diplomatic relations with Pakistan, mainly focusing on the development of SMEs.

The mayor briefed the audience about his town that Kibichuo was a agriculture-based small town of Japan.

He also showed keen interest in developing agriculture trade between Kibichuo and Sialkot.Mr Masanori praised Islam, saying they had found the religion peaceful stressing on unity, harmony, love, affection and brotherhood. He said the Muslims were good people who wanted to establish global peace as well.

SCCI President Majid Raza Bhutta hoped the Japanese mayor’s visit to Sialkot would help improve trade between Japan and Pakistan.

He said the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan and the SCCI could facilitate trade between Japan and Pakistan.

He said the time was ripe for both Pakistan and Japan to focus on broadening the scope of mutual trade in energy and infrastructure development. He urged the Japanese guest to play his role in creating effective linkages between Sialkot and Kibichuo.

He said that Japan was a role model for the entire world in quality manufacturing based on cottage industrial set-up.

Also, Mr Masanori visited several leading industrial units in Sialkot and showed keen interest in the manufacturing and production of the sports goods and surgical instruments.

He also witnessed the international standard craftsmanship of the Sialkot based artisans.

Published in Dawn November 5th, 2016