Pakistan’s $Trillion Mineral Sector Open for Japanese Investment
Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan has extended an open invitation to Japanese companies to invest in Pakistan’s underexplored mineral sector, expanding economic and diplomatic ties with the Japanese public and private sectors.
He particularly emphasized joint ventures for mineral exploration, processing and value addition.
During high-level meetings with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), and Japan-Pakistan Business Cooperation Committee (JPBCC) in Tokyo, the Federal Minister reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to promoting a mutually beneficial partnership based on sustainability, innovation, and economic integration.
Strategic investment opportunities in mineral resources
The focal point of all the meetings was the vast but untapped potential of Pakistan’s mineral reserves. The Commerce Minister described the reserves of rare earth elements, copper, gold and other industrial minerals as a strategic opportunity for Japanese investment.
He invited Japanese companies to engage in exploration, advanced processing technologies, and value chain development, not only for Pakistan but also through exports to third countries that can take advantage of Pakistan’s geographical location.
“Our mineral sector is still largely unexplored,” the Minister said. “We invite Japanese partners to engage in high-value projects that will help establish sustainable supply chains of key minerals — a sector that is in line with Japan’s global industrial needs.”
He added that Pakistan is open to technology transfer, public-private partnerships, and investment frameworks that ensure mutual benefits and lasting impacts.
Development Partnership with JICA
In discussions with JICA Senior Vice President Mr. Hara Shohei and other officers of the South Asia Department, the Commerce Minister emphasized that future partnerships should be in line with Pakistan’s national priorities, especially in the areas of industrial modernization, workforce skill development, and trade facilitation.
He appreciated the $11.7 billion in assistance provided by JICA over the years in sectors such as transport, energy, vocational training and disaster management.
He urged JICA to provide additional support for industrial clusters and logistics corridors to boost mineral exports and value-added production.
The Minister also requested for expanding technical cooperation to enhance Pakistan’s capacity in modern industries including digital innovation and green technologies. He highlighted ongoing reforms in the fields of taxation, energy, agriculture and human resources.
Investment synergy with JETRO
In a meeting with JETRO President Mr. Susumu Kataoka and Executive Vice President Mr. Kazuya Nakajo, the Commerce Minister appreciated the key role of JETRO in promoting trade and investment between Pakistan and Japan.
He encouraged Japanese companies to explore investment opportunities in Pakistan’s Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and value-added sectors such as ICT, light engineering, and food processing.
He requested JETRO to organize special campaigns, seminars, and B2B activities to highlight Pakistan’s mineral investment potential among Japanese industrialists.
He invited Japanese companies to participate in prominent trade exhibitions in Pakistan organized by TDAP to create opportunities for practical partnerships.
“The mining sector is a golden opportunity for Japan,” the Minister said. “We are ready to fully support Japanese investors through our SEZs, modern infrastructure, and policy incentives.”
Promoting B2B relations through JPBCC
During the welcome lunch hosted by JPBCC, the Commerce Minister appreciated the long-standing role of the committee in strengthening business-to-business ties between Pakistan and Japan.
He urged the JPBCC to play an active role in the preparation of the Pakistan-Japan Business Dialogue (PJBD), especially in the areas of mineral cooperation, manufacturing, ICT, engineering, and agricultural value chains.
He assured that Pakistan is an investor-friendly country and the concerns of Japanese companies, such as those raised by Ajinomoto, are being addressed on a priority basis through high-level inter-ministerial engagement.
“Our doors are open to Japanese investors. We see Japan not only as a partner but also as a driving force in modernizing Pakistan’s economy.
By combining your technology and our resources, we can build a sustainable industrial future,” the Minister concluded.
Future Directions: A New Chapter in Pakistan-Japan Economic Cooperation
These meetings reflect a strategic shift in Pakistan’s trade and investment strategy, which is based on prioritizing high-value sectors such as minerals and value-added manufacturing and aligning with global sustainability and innovation trends.
Japan, with its industrial expertise and strategic vision, has the potential to be a key partner in this transformation journey.
The shared thinking presented at the JICA, JETRO, and JPBCC forums lays the foundation for a future partnership that is resource-rich, sustainable, and mutually beneficial.
