KARACHI: Japan’s Consul General in Karachi, Hattori Masaru, called on Sindh Governor Muhammad Nehal Hashmi, at the Governor House on Wednesday, where they discussed strengthening bilateral cooperation in key sectors including education, technology and investment. The Consul General congratulated Hashmi on assuming office of the Governor. The two dignitaries reviewed ongoing collaboration and explored avenues for expanding ties between Pakistan and Japan. Discussions covered progress on projects supported by the Japan International Cooperation Agency, including matters related to the Karachi Circular Railway, a major urban transport initiative aimed at easing congestion in the country’s largest city. The Governor said Pakistan was keen to benefit from Japan’s advanced technology and expertise, highlighting opportunities for Japanese investors in sectors such as mining, oil and coal, fisheries and agriculture and enhanced cooperation in the information technology sector could help boost Pakistan’s exports. He also pointed to the availability of a skilled workforce in Pakistan and hinted at plans to host a Pakistan-Japan Business Conference at the Governor House to further facilitate investment and commercial engagement. Hattori Masaru noted that Japan has been supporting Pakistan in education, health and food security for several years. He cited ongoing initiatives such as assistance to Al-Khair School and the Green Route Human Security Project in Sindh. He said more than 1, 800 Pakistani students were currently studying at Japanese universities under various programmes, including annual government scholarships, while Japanese students were also pursuing studies in Pakistani institutions. The Consul General added that Japanese investors had shown interest in Pakistan during recent business engagements and noted that cultural and community events, including festivals in Karachi, continue to be organized with Japanese support to strengthen people-to-people ties. Both sides agreed to further expand youth exchange programmes as part of efforts to deepen bilateral relations. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026



