ISLAMABAD: Federal Energy Minister Hammad Azhar has appreciated the long-standing engagement of Japan with Pakistan for improving its economic and social infrastructure.
Hammad Azhar expressed these views while talking to the Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan Mitsuhiro Wada, who called on him on Thursday.
Showing satisfaction at the current level of excellent bilateral ties, the minister lauded the Japanese investment, particularly in the energy sector. He highlighted that Pakistan’s energy sector offers vast opportunities for investment and urged Japanese entrepreneurs to come forward and invest by taking advantage of the business friendly environment in the country.
Ambassador Mitsuhiro Wada informed that 2022 marks the 70th year of Japan-Pakistan diplomatic relations and many activities will be organised by both sides to mark this milestone achievement.
The Japanese envoy recalled that the government of Japan had been investing in Pakistan in the power sector and reassured that Japan would further enhance its investment portfolio in Pakistan.
Separately, addressing a news conference on Thursday, Hammad Azhar has said that the government is taking every possible step to achieve sustainable economic growth. He said that Pakistan’s economy would grow faster than the 2021 forecast.
“Made the assessment on 7th April 2021 that economic growth will beat all forecasts,” he tweeted. As per final figure, the economy grew at 5.37 per cent last year. He said despite various challenges, including COVID-19, all economic indicators are showing positive trends, which is great news for the country.
Hammad Azhar, who also heads the Ministry of Industries & Production, said due to prudent economic policies of the government, Pakistan’s circular debt is being decreased by 130 billion rupees annually and expressed the confidence that the country witnessed three percent growth in agriculture, 7.8 percent in industries and 5.7 percent in services sector.
He said tax collection and exports are increasing as a result of better policies pursued by the government.
