ISLAMABAD/TOKYO (special crosspondent) – The Embassy of Pakistan in Tokyo, in collaboration with the Asia Web3 Alliance Japan (AWAJ), recently hosted the Pakistan–Japan Startup and Innovation Event to promote bilateral cooperation in artificial intelligence (AI), Web3, digital technologies, and entrepreneurship. The event brought together representatives from governments, technology companies, investors, industry, and startup ecosystems of both countries to discuss the future of digital integration.

Strengthening Bilateral Digital Ties

Delivering the keynote address, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Japan, Abdul Hamid, highlighted the growing importance of technology and innovation in strengthening Pakistan-Japan economic relations. He underscored Pakistan’s rapidly expanding digital economy, skilled technology workforce, and entrepreneurial potential, emphasizing the need for stronger partnerships among institutions, companies, investors, and startup communities in both countries.

Japan’s Vision for a Digital Future

Japan’s Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Digital Affairs, Hideto Kawasaki, delivered a keynote presentation titled “Building the Digital Future: Co-Creating Startups in the Age of AI and Web3.” He outlined Japan’s digital transformation vision, including policy developments related to artificial intelligence, Web3, secure cross-border data flows, and digital innovation. He described Japan’s advanced technology ecosystem and Pakistan’s emerging digital capabilities as complementary strengths, encouraging closer collaboration between startups, technology companies, and innovation institutions. He also stressed the importance of jointly building a new “Digital Silk Road” through emerging technologies and innovation, a topic that aligns with broader discussions on Pakistan Advocates for Equitable Global Artificial Intelligence Governance at UN.

Tech Destination Pakistan Initiative

Secretary of Pakistan’s Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication, Zarrar Hasham Khan, presented the ministry’s “Tech Destination Pakistan” initiative, highlighting Pakistan’s technology talent, rapidly growing startup ecosystem, and opportunities for Pakistan-Japan cooperation in digital innovation. He said Pakistan’s greatest competitive advantage lies in its young, highly skilled, and well-trained digital workforce, and called for expanded collaboration in technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

Collaborative Ecosystems and Future Outlook

The event concluded with a panel discussion titled “Building Partnerships in the Pakistan-Japan Startup and Innovation Ecosystem.” The discussion featured Jonathan T, a 500 Global mentor, venture capital advisor, and startup accelerator leader, and Tomoko Takasaki, Head of the Web3 Innovation Platform at IBEX Japan KK and Senior Manager at Antler IBEX. The session was moderated by Hunza Asif, President of the Asia Web3 Alliance Japan. The panel explored investor readiness for Pakistani startups seeking entry into the Japanese market, cross-cultural engagement, market-entry strategies, and the role of accelerator programmes such as the AI Founder Programme. Participants also emphasized practical ways to connect Pakistani founders with Japanese investors and industry partners while highlighting the importance of international cooperation in AI governance, data security, and regulatory frameworks. The Embassy of Pakistan encouraged Pakistani startups, technology companies, universities, business associations, and relevant government institutions to strengthen investor readiness, actively participate in accelerator programmes, and develop partnerships aligned with the needs of the Japanese market to fully benefit from Japan’s innovation ecosystem. Reaffirming its commitment to technology-driven partnerships, startup connectivity, and innovation-led economic cooperation, the Embassy expressed confidence that the discussions would translate into practical collaborations, investment opportunities, and long-term cooperation in innovation and digital technologies between Pakistan and Japan.