Senate Deputy Chairman Senator Salim Mandviwala has underscored the need for boosting trade and economic ties between Pakistan and Japan for mutual benefits. He said that the trade volume between the two sides is less than the size of relations which the two countries enjoyed since decades. Senate deputy chairman expressed these views in a meeting with Parliamentary delegation of Japan at the Parliament House on Wednesday. The delegation was headed by Japan Pakistan Friendship League (JPPFL) Chairman & Member of the House of Representatives Seishiro Eto. Senator Salim Mandviwala proposed frequent interaction and increased exchange of delegation at parliamentary level, saying that such interaction would pave the way for further boosting trade and economic ties. He also emphasised that parliamentary friendship groups of both sides also need to play a more vibrant and active role and both sides need to get maximum benefit from a multi-level interaction by setting some goals and achieve them through mutual cooperation. The deputy chairman of senate also diverted the attention of the Japanese delegation towards blatant human rights violations committed by the Indian occupied forces in Kashmir. He also sought support of Japan on the Nuclear Supplier Group membership for Pakistan. The deputy chairman of Senate was flanked by Senators General (r) Abdul Qayyum and Nuzhat Sadiq. Abdul Qayyum said that Pakistan has the best defense institutions and both the sides can benefit from each other’s experiences by chalking out training programmes for officers. He said that Pakistan wants a peaceful coexistence and strongly believes in prosperity and development. Senator Nuzhat Sadiq also stressed the need for frequent exchanges to bring the two countries more close to each other. Leader of the delegation agreed with the views of deputy chairman and emphasised the need for more close collaboration in different sectors. He thanked the deputy chairman of Senate for the warm welcome and hospitality at the Parliament. The deputy chairman senate expressed well wishes to the Parliament, people and the Japanese government. National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser also on Wednesday said that Pakistan attached great importance to its relations with Japan. He further said that the existing relations can be further cemented through enhance interaction of Parliamentarians as well as people of both the countries. “Japanese are honest and hardworking persons, that’s why the people of Pakistan love Japan and their nation. We have special place in our heart for Japan,” the speaker remarked. While discussing technical assistance to Pakistan from Japan, the speaker showed his keen interest for support and collaboration of Pakistani universities and technical education centers with Japanese universities. Asad Qaiser acknowledged the importance of Japan as a development partner and the cordial relation between the two countries, which is free of any irritant. He also looked forward to the greater level of cooperation between the two countries, particularly in the area of trade, investment, infrastructure and human resource development. JPPFL Chairman Seishiro Eto thanked the speaker for his kind remarks and said that his country also considers Pakistan as one of its friends and economic partners. The foreign dignitary congratulated Qaiser on his election as the speaker of the National Assembly of Pakistan. Published in Daily Times, September 6th 2018.