FAISALABAD, OCT 17 (DNA) -Japan has signed trade agreements with USA, Australia, EU, China and Korea but talks on  formal trade agreement with Pakistan have not yet been started, said Japanese Ambassador Hiroshi Inomata.

He was addressing the members of Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FCCI) here Friday.

He said that  studies on legal framework for viable and mutually beneficial businesses based on studies and surveys conducted by businessmen and academia and later joined by governments has been initiated.  Some companies are negotiating with APTMA people but formal negotiations at the government level have not yet been started, he added.

He said that Japan was already cooperating with Pakistan for the improvement of irrigation system in Pakistan, processing of Dry-Fruits and Agriculture in addition to extending assistance to the University of Agriculture Faisalabad.

He was appreciative of the unique taste of Pakistani Mango and said that it was in great demand in Japan. “We have agreed for the import of Pakistani mango but still there were no treatment facilities in Karachi. However, he said that work on the treatment plant was in full swing and from next year Pakistani mango could be exported to Japan which would certainly help in increasing Pakistan’s overall exports to Japan.

Regarding collaboration in energy sector, he said that many Japanese companies are interested in providing coal-fired power station technology to Pakistan that would also help in reducing the green house effect on our environment.

He further said that some Japanese companies are taking interest in launching joint ventures in this field but I am not fully aware of the outcome of their talks with their Pakistani counterparts.

Continuing, japans ambassador said that as many as 70 Japanese companies are doing business with Pakistan but their active presence of restricted to the main cities like Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad. About japans investment in infra structure development,. Hiroshi Inomata said that Japan was already extending loan facility for the Indus Highway. Similarly it was also helping for the construction of Kohistan Tunnel.

He said that Japan could also help Pakistan in the improvement of its transport system.

Similarly, Japan was already providing training in various trades under the arrangement of JICA; however, it was unable to entertain all applications for this purpose at a time.=DNA