Overview: Pakistan Delegation Visit
Pakistan, with a population of 240 million and an average age of 23, is a country with strong growth potential. It is home to the world’s largest ICT freelancer community, with more than 300,000 ICT engineers actively working in the sector. In addition, many of the world’s leading ICT companies have established operations in Pakistan, and the country boasts one of the fastest-growing ICT export rates globally, further strengthening its presence in the global ICT market.
In order to explore the current landscape of business, ICT, and talent acquisition in Pakistan, the Japan–Pakistan Innovation Promotion Organization (JPII) has organized a member-participation delegation visit, which includes a visit to the ongoing Capital Smart City project in Pakistan.
スケジュール：
November 18, 2024
Visit to Punjab Skills Development Fund (PSDF)
- JPII visited the Punjab Skills Development Fund (PSDF).
- Through collaboration with PSDF, JPII will provide Japanese language education to
■Lahore Smart City
A site visit was conducted to Lahore Smart City, a project being developed by Habib Rafiq (Private) Limited, located in Lahore, Pakistan’s second-largest city.
This new township is strategically situated approximately 20–30 minutes from Lahore’s city center and the airport, offering excellent accessibility and convenience.
2024/11/19
Visit to Indus Apparel (Apparel Industry)
- JPII visited Indus Apparel, a company operating modern apparel manufacturing facilities.
- Indus Apparel is a vertically integrated company, managing everything from design to production, and manufactures garments for many overseas clients, including Japanese companies.
- To meet the stringent requirements of European and American apparel brands, the company has implemented digitalized production processes and adopted environmentally responsible practices, such as industrial washing machines that significantly reduce water discharge.
- Going forward, JPII will provide sales and business development support to help Indus Apparel expand its customer base in the Japanese market.
Visit to Gujranwala Chamber of Commerce and Industry
- JPII visited the Gujranwala Chamber of Commerce and Industry, located in one of the most industrially active regions of Punjab Province.
- The Gujranwala Chamber represents a wide range of industries and is a collective body of companies that holds a particularly strong presence in Pakistan’s export sector.
- In order to continue expanding its industrial base, the Chamber has expressed strong interest in technology transfer through collaboration with Japanese companies, and significant growth opportunities are expected in the future.
2024/11/20Visit to the Prime Minister’s Office (Youth Program)
- JPII paid a courtesy visit to the Minister of Labour, who oversees the Youth Program responsible for youth development initiatives in Pakistan.
- During the meeting, discussions were held on the importance of developing human resources capable of working overseas, given the chronic shortage of domestic employment opportunities.
Visit to AIOU (National Distance-Learning University)
- JPII visited Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU).
- AIOU has been a pioneer in distance education, operating its own television and radio programs to deliver education nationwide.
- Today, AIOU also provides education to children of Pakistani families living around the world.
NAVTEC
- JPII visited NAVTEC, the national authority overseeing technical and vocational skills development in Pakistan.
- Similar to other institutions, NAVTEC expressed strong interest in sending skilled professionals to Japan and requested the establishment of Japanese language courses to support this initiative.
Visit to the Minister for Overseas Employment
- JPII visited the Minister for Overseas Employment, who oversees the overseas employment of Pakistani workers.
- The Minister expressed strong enthusiasm for expanding overseas employment opportunities for Pakistani workers. With countries such as South Korea actively strengthening their acceptance of Pakistani workers in recent years, the Minister conveyed strong encouragement and a clear desire for Japan to also actively accept Pakistani professionals.
2024/11/21
Visit to NUTECH (National University of Technology)
- JPII visited the National University of Technology (NUTECH), a mid-level technical university operated by the Pakistan Army.
- Due to its military management, the university is highly organized and well-structured, and is well regarded for developing students in the architecture and mechanical engineering fields.
- Recently, the university has introduced more practical and industry-oriented programs, including a hotel management training course in collaboration with Finland.
- Through collaboration with NUTECH, JPII will support the placement and introduction of skilled technical professionals to Japan.
Visit to Capital Smart City
- JPII visited Capital Smart City, a large-scale urban development project currently under construction on the outskirts of Islamabad.
- When the two zones are combined, the development is designed to accommodate approximately 800,000 residents (compared to Islamabad’s current population of around 1 million).
- The city is planned to feature a PGA Tour–standard golf course, an adjoining seven-star hotel, and has already completed the attraction of multiple universities. Once completed, it is expected to become one of the most attractive and advanced urban developments in Asia.
Networking Party
- As the conclusion of this business tour, a networking party was held with key stakeholders.
- More than 60 participants from government bodies and private companies attended, providing a valuable opportunit and relationship-building toward future business collaboration.
2024/11/22
Site Visit (Taxila Ruins)
- JPII visited the Taxila archaeological site, which is part of Gandhara, a sacred region in the history of Buddhism.
- Despite being an Islamic country, Pakistan demonstrates a strong sense of tolerance and respect for Buddhism, allowing us to experience the nation’s inclusive and respectful cultural values.
Outcomes
By visiting not only universities in Pakistan but also multiple overseas employment support institutions, we were able to establish strong partnerships that enable the recruitment of high-level technical professionals for the Japanese market on a scale of several thousand individuals. In addition to facilitating talent placement in Japan, these engagements also created opportunities for Japanese companies to expand their operations within Pakistan.