Snapshot of Pakistan and Japan Diplomatic Relations over the 70 Years

日本 (Nihon- Japan) and ??????? ?(Pakistan) . Two different countries with vast cultures and history established Diplomatic relations in the post war decade. April 2023 marked the 71th year of bilateral relations between the two nations. As highlighted in the recent two separate meetings in October 2021, Between Ambassador of Japan Kuninori Matsuda Sama, Dr Arif Alvi, the president and Imran Khan, the prime minister of Pakistan. Pakistan and Japan has good trade relations and there are many new opportunities Afghan trade being one of them. Pakistan major export to Japan comprises of but not limited to fisheries, Fruits (mango and dates specially), agricultural products, including sesame, rice, Guar Gum, shrimp and salt, Textile and sport goods. Major Imports however are Automobiles, Auto Parts, Machinery, Chemicals, Medical Equipment, Used Articles and Scrap. Belonging to one of the top three service providers for used cars imports in Pakistan. I believe the growth aspects are endless, the used car imports have slumped from 8000 to having a commercial ban and now restarted upto 1000 cars but needless the demand is still there. The ambassador was kind enough to appraise the export dynamics and informed that Japan will continue supporting automobile sector in Pakistan as Toyota Automobiles Company would invest $100 million to produce the most-advanced hybrid cars.

?Pakistanis residing in Japan are 25000 (2022), whereas Japanese residing in Pakistan are 2000 (2021). Pakistan has been influenced greatly by the Japanese culture (both on organizational and cultural level). Much like most of the world, there is a fandom among Pakistanis who are engulfed with Anime and manga fascination. 鬼滅の刃 (kimetsu no Yaiba, Demon Slayer) became a global phenomenon and now the fouth season on Netflix (April 2023) is among the watch list of many anime enthusiasts like me. ?改善 (Kaizen) is one of core principles studied by organizations to use their time and assets effectively, earlier this year the webinar by Akihiro Ito San from Hirayama Co through the platform of PJBF explained beautifully on how to apply it not only in Conglomerates ?but in any type of business model in Pakistan. Similarly, Lean Production and 5 Ss of production are very practical factors for cost and time reduction. Being a Japanese language neophyte and also being involved with Cirrus International, a logistic provider handling Japan Movement, I believe the growth opportunities are endless in trade, culture, product and services and codependent projects in the near future.

Time period 1952-1961 (Post War Decade)

In the early stages of Pakistan and Japan mutual friendship, Pakistan had been very supportive to Japan. To offset the shortage of food in Japan, Pakistan shipped 60,000 tons of rice in the 1950s termed as “Donated Rice to the Emperor of Japan by the government of Pakistan”. Jetro started its operations in 1954, which promoted trade activities between the two countries. Pakistan was one of the major exporters for raw material at that time. Presidential visit between was regarded as one of the major events in Japan at that time. Ayub Khan, former President of Pakistan was awarded “Guard of Honor”. Honoring the trust after the Cold War. This led to the first financial ODA, in terms of economic, social education, healthcare and technical assistance, of 20 million yen which is in effect to this day.

Time period 1962-1971 (The Decade of Divergence)

?Crown Prince Akihito?and?Princess Michiko (Now Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko) visited Pakistan in 1962, it was the first time the royal family of Japan visited the Islamic republic. Mext scholarship, although founded in 1954, was awarded for the first time in 1963 to Pakistanis to study and research in Japan. The tide changed when Pakistan turned a deaf ear to japan on the one China policy. This did not sit well with Nippon in 1960s, Sino-Japanese rapprochement meant Pakistan was more pro-China than Japan. China and Japan did not have historical harmony because both nations were recovering from Cold war activities. Civil aviation agreement?was also affected as japan did not grant landing rights to PIA.

Time period 1972-1981 (The Decade of Indifference)

After the East Pakistan Debacle, Official Development Assistance Japan was not given to Pakistan only but was divided to the now newly established Bangladesh. Japan had taken a neutral stance and had supported Bangladesh with their refugees’ problem. Nippon recognized it as a separate nation after just two months of its separation. The trade activities were also disrupted by Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto nationalization policy which discouraged foreign entrepreneurs including Japanese, however normalization of Japan – China relations improved trade relations between Pak japan as the demand for raw cotton was still growing,

Time period 1982-1991 (The Decade of Insurgence)

Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) became active in 1983, during this decade JLPT (exams for foreigners for Japanese proficiency) were also started through NUML. The exams were conducted on a semiannual basis. In the 1980’s bilateral relations were further bolstered due to?Pakistan’s role in securing the withdrawal of the Soviet forces from?Afghanistan?and the sea lanes security through which?Japan?receives bulk of its oil. This decade also encouraged cultural amalgamation between the two countries, Waka- Rang (combination of Japanese and Pakistani Poetry), combination of Pakistan and Japanese cuisines and similarity between Japanese and Pakistan sports (Sumo and Malakhara, Dangal) made people of the rising sun and Islamic Republic more understanding of one another.

Time period 1992-2001 (The Decade of Emergence)

Pakistan was seen as one of the emerging markets for FDI, During 1990s The percentage of FDI from Japan was increased as high as 10%, Pakistan was the red Magnet and many Japanese companies which were already situated in Pakistan (Agri Auto, Hinopak Motors, Ghandhara Nissan were now also attracting new companies (Fujifilms, Honda Atlas, Toyota in the late 1980s and early 1990s, among

other foreign investors. Japan loan policy however was connected with Pakistan nuclear program, Pakistan becoming an atomic power in 1998, not signing NPT (Nuclear Proliferation treaty), like India, resulted in Japan Placing economic sanctions in Pakistan. ?

Time period 2002-2011 (The Decade of Communication)

As the 2000s started, later recalled as the decade of Doom or Diversion by some, it brought IT revolution, Google, facebook , whatsapp, instagram and line (2011). The barrier of entry reached new heights and globalization achieved a new meaning, however for Pakistan this changed after the 9/11 event, facing the turmoil of economic and financial restrains as well as security pressure from major countries, the visit of prime minister Yoshiro Mori became a break through as Nippon also aided in Afghan war, by 2005 new yen loan assistance was again reinstated. Associations like PJBF (2001), PJCA (2003) and japan Foundation gained relevancy. People were now more aware of diplomatic relations as information was easily and rapidly floated across separate social mediums.

Time period 2012-2023 (The Decade of Digitalization)

Japan was moving beyond robots, Siri (2011) was one of the many examples of AI, VR is now evolving into AR (Augmented Reality), 3D modeling and big data has again brought upon disruptive innovation. Japan was known as pioneer and is still regarded as incorporating them in not only gaming but in medical, production, travel and retail. Japan and Pakistan are still enjoying good bilateral relations. Japan-East Asia Network of Exchange for Students and Youths (JENESYS) program started in 2015, proving that there are indefinite aspects of integration of Education. Culture and cuisine are now more appealing to general public as many restaurants representing Pakistan dishes are popular in Japan and Vice versa. , . Trade Dynamics however followed a decline and maturity pattern. During the inception of the decade, Pakistan to Japan exports were declining, however after the pandemic export revenue has increased import volume had declined due to high duties and freight. Corporate meeting and training via zoom and other online platforms have become a new norm now.

Currently Japan imports Counts for around 3% (57,913.04 M Rupees) of total imports for Pakistan in 2021 as compared last year 1.68% (19,614.07 M Rupees) Pakistan’s exports to Japan have jumped by 40% in the first quarter (Jan - Mar) of 2021 compared to the last quarter of 2020 i.e. (Oct – Dec). The increase is more than 47% when compared to the same period last year.

In the 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 export of woven fabric, knitted garments, honey, sports goods, cutlery, socks, gloves, gems & jewelry and dates.?

Pakistan has still a lot of potential to grow and it is a treasure trove for many foreign investors, in terms of resources travel and location. Japan’s ODA played a valuable contribution through economical and technical assistance and Pakistan offers young labor and offer ample opportunities. The future ahead looks bright in terms of mutual cooperation for both nations.?

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