- Punjab CM seeks Japanese expertise in clean energy, urban development, and women’s empowerment projects
- Invites Morinaga to expand investment in Punjab’s dairy and livestock sector to modernize production and boost exports
LAHORE/TOKYO: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, during the fourth day of her five-day visit to Japan, met Tokyo’s first female Deputy Governor, Mrs. Matsumoto Akiko, on Thursday and discussed strengthening cooperation between Punjab and Japan in multiple sectors.
Mrs. Akiko warmly received Maryam Nawaz and congratulated her on becoming Pakistan’s first female provincial chief minister. Both leaders agreed to enhance collaboration between women leaders of the two countries and underlined the importance of women’s leadership in driving progress.
پہلی خاتون وزیراعلیٰ پنجاب مریم نواز شریف کی ٹوکیو کی پہلی خاتون نائب گورنر ماتسوموتو آکیکوسے ملاقات #CMMaryamInJapan pic.twitter.com/azmRDnZhPQ
— Government of Punjab (@GovtofPunjabPK) August 21, 2025
The Punjab CM praised Mrs. Akiko’s 35 years of public service and stressed the need to benefit from Japan’s expertise in infrastructure, urban development, renewable energy, and clean water initiatives. She also highlighted Punjab’s plans for a “Clean Punjab” project modeled on Tokyo’s Clean Authority, alongside ongoing initiatives for women’s empowerment and sustainable urban development.
Visit to headquarters of a world-renowned Japanese dairy giant
Earlier, Maryam Nawaz visited the headquarters of Morinaga, a world-renowned Japanese dairy giant, and invited the company to expand its investment in Punjab’s dairy and livestock sectors. She proposed joint ventures in local production of baby food, bakery products, and export-quality meat, assuring full facilitation from the Punjab government.
وزیراعلیٰ پنجاب کی سوسال سے کام کرنے والی بین الاقوامی جاپانی کمپنی کو پنجاب میں ڈیری کے شعبے میں سرمایہ کاری کی دعوت
#CMMaryamInJapan pic.twitter.com/Ll9DUTirAf— Government of Punjab (@GovtofPunjabPK) August 21, 2025
The CM also emphasized the use of Japanese technology and modern breeding methods to improve livestock health and meat quality. Touring Morinaga’s R&D departments, she expressed her desire to replicate the company’s expertise in Punjab’s dairy sector.
“Formula milk is vital for children’s growth, and as a mother, child health is close to my heart,” Maryam Nawaz said. She recalled that Morinaga had previously invested in Punjab during the tenure of Nawaz Sharif as prime minister and Shehbaz Sharif as chief minister.
Noting that Punjab contributes 60% of Pakistan’s milk production, the Punjab CM underscored that modernizing the sector was crucial, as 80% of Punjab’s dairy industry still relied on outdated methods. She said Morinaga’s investment could directly benefit the 63% of Punjab’s population linked to agriculture and livestock, making it a flagship model of Pakistan-Japan cooperation.
