east asia news
Published on: January 1, 2024.
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Pakistan’s relations with East Asian countries are guided by the “Vision East Asia Policy” launched in 2003. This policy aims to strengthen bilateral relations through high-level visits, institutional meetings, cooperation on core issues at international forums, effective partnerships with regional organizations, promotion of trade and investment, cooperation in defense and counterterrorism, and enhancement of cultural ties and people-to-people contacts.
Japan has been a key partner for Pakistan since diplomatic relations were established in 1952. The bilateral ties between the two countries are rooted in extensive business linkages and people-to-people contacts. Japan has been a major investor in Pakistan, with over 100 Japanese companies conducting business and making long-term investments in the country. The bilateral mechanisms include Bilateral Political Consultations, High-Level Economic Policy Dialogue, Joint Government Business Dialogue, and Security Dialogue. The total bilateral trade between Pakistan and Japan amounts to approximately US $1.1 billion, with Pakistan exporting items like Cotton Yarn, Woven Fabric, Crustaceans, and Rice, while importing automobiles, Iron, Textile Machinery, and Auto Parts from Japan.
Pakistan and South Korea also share deep-rooted historical linkages, dating back to ancient times. Mechanisms of bilateral consultation between the two countries include Bilateral Political Consultations, Joint Trade Committee, Joint Defense Committee on Logistics & Procurement, Korea-Pakistan Parliamentary Friendship Group, Employment Permit System, and Climate Change Dialogue. In 2023, the total bilateral trade between Pakistan and South Korea exceeded US $1 billion. Pakistan exports items like Cotton, Petroleum, Clothing, Ethyl Alcohol, Seafood, Building Materials, Leather, Medical devices, sports goods, and man-made staple fiber to South Korea, while importing automobiles, iron and steel, plastics, tanning dyeing extract, machinery, organic chemicals, volume fuels and oils, electrical machinery, pharmaceuticals, and aluminum. Korean enterprises have been involved in several landmark projects in Pakistan, and South Korea is a preferred destination for employment for many expatriate Pakistanis. The Republic of Korea has provided support and assistance to Pakistan on various occasions, including combating COVID-19, responding to locust infestation, supporting the rehabilitation of Afghan refugees, and developing an IT Park in Karachi.
The diplomatic relations between Pakistan and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) were established in 1968. Despite the closure of Pakistan’s mission in DPRK, DPRK maintains its mission in Pakistan. Pakistan fully implements the UN Security Council resolutions, which include sanctions on DPRK. The bilateral trade between Pakistan and DPRK is minimal due to these sanctions. Pakistan consistently supports a nuclear weapons-free Korean Peninsula, as agreed in the 1994 Framework Agreement and reaffirmed in the 2005 Joint Statement of the Six-Party Talks.
In conclusion, Pakistan’s relations with East Asian countries like Japan, South Korea, and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea are multifaceted and focused on strengthening bilateral ties in various sectors. The countries engage in trade, investment, cultural exchanges, and cooperation on core issues to foster mutual growth and development.
Source: [MOFA Pakistan](https://mofa.gov.pk)
