Liaquat Ali
Islamabad: Pakistan and Japan thus week agreed to deepen cooperation in skilled workforce development and labour mobility, with both countries stepping up efforts to create greater employment opportunities for Pakistani professionals in the Japanese market.
The understanding was reached during a meeting between Pakistan’s Ambassador to Japan, Abdul Hameed, and Japan’s Minister of Justice, Hiroshi Hiraguchi, in Tokyo, where the two sides reviewed avenues for strengthening bilateral collaboration in skills development, capacity building and the movement of skilled workers.
According to an official statement, the discussions focused on expanding institutional cooperation to equip Pakistani workers with skills aligned with Japan’s labour market requirements, while facilitating smoother pathways for employment and professional exchanges.
A key area of discussion was progress on a proposed Memorandum of Cooperation on Employment for Skill Development, which is expected to establish a stronger institutional framework for the placement of skilled Pakistani workers in Japan. The agreement is also intended to support broader economic cooperation by addressing workforce needs in sectors facing labour shortages.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening people-to-people ties, describing them as a cornerstone of the longstanding relationship between Pakistan and Japan. They agreed to enhance practical cooperation through initiatives that generate tangible economic and social benefits for both countries.
The meeting also reflected the growing momentum in bilateral relations, with Islamabad and Tokyo increasingly focusing on human resource development, technical training and labour mobility as important areas of partnership.
Officials believe that closer collaboration in vocational training and employment will not only expand overseas job opportunities for Pakistan’s skilled workforce but also contribute to knowledge transfer, higher remittances and stronger economic engagement between the two countries.
The latest discussions underscore the shared commitment of Pakistan and Japan to broadening cooperation in mutually beneficial sectors while fostering stronger institutional linkages and sustainable people-to-people connectivity.
