::. PAK JAPAN BUSINESS FORUM

Pak Japan Delegation To Kabul

A 20-member delegation of Pakistan Japan Business Forum consisting of 07 Japanese and 13 Pakistani businessmen led by Mr. Masami Mizukami, Senior Vice President of the Forum would leave for Kabul on Sunday, August 14 for a five day visit to meet President Hamed Karzai, More than 12 Ministers, and the members of the Chamber of Commerce. The delegation would also pay a courtesy call on Japanese Ambassador in Kabul. The delegation, which is the first official delegation to go to Kabul from Pakistan, would discuss trilateral issues and explore business opportunities. The members would be interacting with Ministers, government officials, and businessmen to discuss business possibilities, industrial investment, and technical transfers. The delegation would also host a banquet for businessmen and government officials during their stay. Pakistan Japan Business Forum had announced in January 2002 the a large delegation would visit Afghanistan in response to a clarion call given by President Musharraf that Pakistani businessmen and industrialists should be carve out a niche for themselves in the Afghani marketplace. Pakistan is strategically placed to provide goods and services to Afghanistan faster and at affordable prices. The Japanese government is also very keen to rehabilitate Afghanistan as soon as possible. Pakistani businessmen can also assist in rehabilitating the textile mills that are lying in closed conditions and could be brought into operation. Moreover, agro-based industries and construction industries would also prosper very much. It is hoped the the visit of the delegation would be a harbinger of more trade and investment into Afghanistan.