Pakistan’s exports to Japan have jumped by 40 percent in the first quarter (January-March) of 2021 compared to the last quarter of 2020 (October– December). The increase is more than 47 percent when compared to the same period last year January– March 2020. These trade figures have been released recently by Japan’s Ministry of Finance. In a statement issued by the Pakistan Embassy in Japan, the embassy said, “This trend highlights that Pakistan is coming out of the challenges to international trade posed by the current pandemic. Covid related limitations had brought a slight negative impact on trade between Pakistan and Japan towards the end of last year; however, Pakistan’s exports to Japan bounced back in high numbers.” In recent months seafood products, petroleum, dry fruits, spices and minerals have contributed to Pakistan’s rising exports to Japan; whereas, a considerable increase has been noticed in the export of woven fabric, knitted garments, honey, sports goods, cutlery, socks, gloves, gems and jewelry and dates.
The statement reads, “As compared to exports of US$ 61.6 million in the last quarter of 2020, Pakistan has exported goods worth of US$ 86.1 million to Japan from January to March 2021, whereas exports in the same quarter last year stood at US$ 58.7.” This multiplying trend observed in bilateral trade is mainly associated with focused efforts of the Mission to diversify the export mix of Pakistan for Japan. Pakistani Mission in Tokyo, through its Trade and Investment Wing, devised an export diversification strategy ‘Option Pakistan’ last year with a focused layout plan reaching out to all major business chambers and trade associations in Japan, introducing a range of Pakistani exportable products.
Pakistani Mission in Tokyo, through its Trade and Investment Wing, devised an export diversification strategy ‘Option Pakistan’ last year with a focused layout plan reaching out to all major business chambers and trade associations in Japan, introducing a range of Pakistani exportable products. See Also: PM Imran commends Rs384 billion collection by FBR The strategy not only resulted in spreading information about Pakistan and its trade potential but also helped in providing Japanese companies with an attractive source of procurement for their businesses that are facing serious issues of depleting stocks due to travel restrictions. Ambassador Imtiaz Ahmad along with Trade and Investment Counsellor Tahir Cheema held meetings with local government trade departments, regional JETROs and Chambers of Business in Osaka, Kobe, Kyoto, Nara, Sendai, Aomori and other important business hubs. This high-level interaction with the Japanese business community resulted in raising the confidence of Japanese importers in Pakistani goods.
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