Punjab to Benefit from Japanese Expertise
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, during her ongoing five-day visit to Japan, has unveiled a series of landmark initiatives aimed at transforming Punjab’s healthcare, industrial, and transport sectors through strategic cooperation with Japanese partners. On her second day in Japan, she visited the National Center for Global Health, one of the world’s leading hospitals for infectious diseases, where she examined advanced medical technology and high-tech equipment. Inspired by Japan’s healthcare management system, she announced plans to replicate the model in Punjab by introducing modern machinery for diabetes, liver, and infectious diseases treatment, alongside the creation of the Nawaz Sharif Medical District. She also pledged to bring in health insurance schemes modeled after Japan’s, ensuring better access to quality healthcare for Punjab’s citizens.
In her meetings with Norihiko Ishiguro, Chairman of the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), the Chief Minister extended an invitation to Japanese investors to establish joint ventures with Punjab’s public and private sectors. She offered free land in Punjab’s Special Economic Zones, which provide tax-free incentives, and encouraged the establishment of IT parks within the upcoming Nawaz Sharif IT City. Emphasizing Punjab’s large youth population, she urged Japanese companies to support skill development programs, labor training initiatives, and capacity building projects. Maryam Nawaz highlighted Punjab’s potential to become a manufacturing hub for exports to the Middle East and Africa, particularly in industries like surgical instruments, leather goods, sports equipment, and basmati rice.
The Chief Minister also met with senior leadership at Honda headquarters in Tokyo, including Executive Vice President Noriya Kaihara. Both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in electric vehicle manufacturing and skill development for Pakistani youth. Maryam Nawaz revealed Punjab’s plan to deploy 1,500 electric buses in partnership with the private sector and welcomed Honda’s role in building EV depots and a state-of-the-art vehicle testing lab. She further announced the setup of widespread charging stations for both cars and motorbikes across Punjab’s cities and semi-urban areas. Stressing Punjab’s potential to become Pakistan’s largest electric vehicle market, she assured foreign investors of attractive incentives to encourage long-term investment.
Beyond EVs, Maryam Nawaz also shared Punjab’s broader infrastructure development plans, including a high-speed train project between Lahore and Rawalpindi and a tourist glass train from Rawalpindi to Murree, aiming to boost both connectivity and tourism. Honda’s Vice President Noriya Kaihara praised her forward-looking vision and expressed Honda’s willingness to deepen strategic collaboration with Punjab.
With healthcare reforms, electric vehicle manufacturing, IT investments, and youth skill development on the agenda, Punjab stands at the threshold of major transformation. Maryam Nawaz’s successful Japan visit is expected to pave the way for significant Japanese investment and expertise in Pakistan’s most populous province, accelerating industrial growth, innovation, and international partnerships.
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