29th Asian Trade Promotion Forum CEO Meeting in Lahore, Pakistan –For fostering globally competent human resources

On Sunday, September 25, the Asian Trade Promotion Forum (ATPF) CEO Meeting was held in Lahore, Pakistan, joined by 14 trade promotion organizations (TPOs) in Asia and Oceania. JETRO President Yasushi Akahoshi co-hosted the meeting with Chief Executive of the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) SM Muneer.

Under the theme of the role of TPOs in fostering human resources, a discussion was held on the topics of “promotion of women’s economic empowerment” and “effective use of globally competent human resources.” President Akahoshi introduced some programs conducted by JETRO, including internships and a collaborative activity with the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC). Through his presentation, he encouraged other TPOs to collaborate with one another by taking advantage of the network of the ATPF and the strengths of fellow TPOs. Some participants also introduced examples such as a training program provided for other TPOs and capacity building in the field of e-commerce. At the end of the session, it was confirmed that all member TPOs would share various practical examples and be prepared to cooperate with one another in the future.

On September 24, the day before the forum, President Akahoshi had a dialogue in Islamabad with Finance Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Chairman Dr. Miftah Ismail of the Board of Investment and the Deputy Minister of Commerce, on a wide range of subjects including economic growth, energy, business environment and the activities of JETRO in Pakistan.