ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Japan agreed on Friday to hold higher level talks next month to resolve trade and investment related issues between the two countries.

The understanding was reached at the conclusion of the second meeting of Japan-Pakistan Joint Trade Committee (JTC), which was held here on Friday.

The session was co-chaired by Shafiq Shahzad, Joint Secretary, Commerce Division and Yaujiro Miyake, Director, Ministry of Economy Trade and Industry (Meti), Japan.

According to an official statement, both sides have agreed to hold the 6th Joint Government Business Dialogue (JGBD) on Dec 10, in Tokyo, to further discuss the trade and investment issues at state level.

The Adviser to Prime Minister on Commerce and Textile, Abdul Razak Dawood, will lead the Pakistani delegation for the dialogue.

During the JTC meeting, various issues of bilateral trade and economic cooperation, including possibility of exploring Preferential/Free Trade Agreement (PTA/FTA) with Japan, multiple entry visas for Pakistani businessmen and cooperation in information and communication technology (ICT) sector came under discussion.

The Japanese officials assured that the visa issues will be resolved for the pakistani businessmen.

Both sides concurred to further explore the possibilities in the ICT sector, market access and PTA/FTA for mutual benefits.

They also appraised the cooperation extended by Japan Investment Cooperation Agency (JICA) to Pakistan under Trade Related Cooperation and Technical Assistance programme.

The Pakistani officials expressed their desire for a constructive discussion focused on further enhancing the bilateral trade and economic between the two countries.

Published in Dawn, November 24th, 2018