On 28 April 1952, formal diplomatic relations were established between Japan and Pakistan.
The relationship between Japan and Pakistan has completed 73 years. This relationship was formed at the same time when India started its diplomatic relations with Japan i.e. in the year 1952. Over time, Pakistan and Japan gave heat to their relationship. India and Japan are mutually strategic partners, while Pakistan and Japan are mostly focused on the point of trade, development aid and regional stability. PM Modi is on a visit to Japan.
Come, let us know how to know the relationship between Japan and Pakistan? When did it start? What do both countries import and export each other? Which areas have Japan invest in Pakistan? What does Japan think about the Kashmir issue, that is, what is its stand?
Beginning of diplomatic relations
Pakistan gained independence on 14 August 1947 and only a few years later, formal diplomatic relations between Japan and Pakistan were established on 28 April 1952. After World War II, it was necessary for him to have Japan’s relationship with Asian countries, and Pakistan supported Japan in the early stages. Pakistan was one of the few early Muslim countries that promoted relations with Japan.
Japan has also given humanitarian assistance to Pakistan from time to time, such as 2005 earthquake and 2010 floods.
How are business relationships?
Japan is an important business partner of Pakistan. Japan from Pakistan imports cotton, textiles, leather, foods (especially rice and seafood) etc. Similarly, Pakistan asks for automobile, industrial machinery, electronic products, chemicals and medical equipment etc. from Japan. As soon as the names of Japanese companies in Pakistan, people first recognize Toyota, Suzuki and Honda.
The vehicles of these companies are highly popular in Pakistan. According to available data, the joint trade of both countries is about three billion dollars per year. These figures become less than year to year. Pakistan’s exports are much less than Japan’s exports. In such a situation, Pakistan’s trade deficit is much more.
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. (File photo)
How much Japanese investment in Pakistan
- Japan has given billions of dollars in the form of development aid (ODA) in Pakistan.
- The Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is active in Pakistan.
- Japan has started important projects in the fields of education, health, energy and infrastructure.
- This investment was made to improve electricity and water supply in Karachi.
- Japan has also supported Pakistan in road and bridge construction.
- Japan has also established hospitals and supply of medical equipment.
- Japanese investment in the automobile sector plays an important role in Pakistan’s economy.
- Japan has established many factories in many cities including Karachi and Lahore.
- Japan has also given humanitarian aid to Pakistan from time to time. Such as 2005 earthquakes and 2010 floods etc.
Japan has given billions of dollars in the form of development aid (ODA) in Pakistan.
Japan’s trend on Kashmir issue?
Japan is usually taking a neutral approach on this sensitive issue. He always advises India and Pakistan to resolve this issue through mutual talks. Japan does not directly support any side, as it wants to maintain its strategic partnership with India and does not want to break a business relationship with Pakistan. Meaning, both are important for him.
How much loan was given to Pakistan?
Japan has given significant financial support to Pakistan as a soft loan i.e. low interest loans. Japan has given more than $ 10 billion help in the last several decades for energy projects and water supply schemes. There has also been grant -based assistance for education and health sector.
Strategic and political aspect
- Japan talks with Pakistan on terrorism and regional stability, but its security partnership is not as deep as India.
- Pakistan wants technical and industrial cooperation from Japan, while Japan is concerned about Pakistan’s nuclear activities and terrorism.
- Japan also coordinates the IMF and the World Bank towards making the economy of Pakistan stable.
Japanese investment in the automobile sector plays an important role in Pakistan’s economy.
Japan’s contribution to educational cooperation
- Pakistani students go to Japan’s universities and technical institutes to study.
- Pakistani community is also present in Japan, especially in business and restaurant industry.
- People of both countries have come close to each other through cultural exchange programs.
Japan’s steps in terms of business
- Pakistan contributed to its textile industry by exporting raw cotton to Japan in the 1950s. This was the period when Japan was reconstructive after World War II.
- Pakistan provides a large amount of tuna fish to Japan, which is used in Japanese Sushi.
- Many products are exported from Pakistan’s Surgical Equipment Industry (Sialkot).
- The number of Japanese language learners in Pakistan is gradually increasing, because youth are attracted due to employment and scholarship opportunities.
In this way, it can be said that the relationship between Japan and Pakistan is neither very deep strategic nor completely superficial. These relationships are mainly based on business, aid and development cooperation. While the India-Japan relationship is much stronger due to defense and strategic partnership, Japan’s relationship with Pakistan is limited to economic-cooperation and humanitarian aid.
Japan’s balanced attitude on the Kashmir issue shows that he wants to befriend both sides. In the coming years, if Pakistan progresses towards political stability and safety improvement, it is possible that Japan’s investment and cooperation will increase even more.
Thus, the relationship between Japan and Pakistan is a balanced partnership, in which economic interest, investment and human initiative play the lead role.
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