Japan seeks inroads in Central Asia through Pakistan

A Japanese multinational has initiated plans to explore central Asian market with the help of private sector of Pakistan.

Nippon Paint which is in business since 120 years stepped into Pakistani market on 5th of November 2007. Success in Pakistani market encouraged them to explore Afghanistan and now they are eyeing lucrative market in Central Asia with the help of Pakistani business community.

“We are the largest paint manufacturer in Asia, our estimates suggest that we will be No.1 in Pakistan within months, the situation demands that we expand into central Asia,” said Syed Samad Zaheer, General Manager, Pakistan, Nippon Paint.

Talking to reporters, he said that he has come to fine-tune the details of business arrangement for central Asia, adding that that we are very encouraged through response of customers in Pakistan and Afghanistan.

“Increasing demand suggests that Pakistan’s economy is on the path of progress,” he added.

Samad Zaheer said that our sales volume is to cross Rs 2 billion soon. “We are already in every nook and corner of Pakistan and Afghanistan and with the largest manufacturing facility in Pakistan we can cater for all the needs of central Asian states.”

He said that we need trusted partners to successfully launch our products in central Asia without any problems.

Ijaz Ali Khan, Export Manager Afghanistan, Nippon Paint, Samina Fazil, President, Islamabad Women's Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Malik Khalid Nawaz, CEO Fujian International, Kulsoom Khan, and some leading shipping agents were also present on the occasion.

Khalid Nawaz, who has command over central Asian affairs, apprised the Nippon officials about situation, rules, regulation and method of doing business in the central Asia.

“Finding a foothold there is not very easy as the dynamics of that market are totally unique,” he informed. He advised that Nippon should specially formulate products for the central Asian market, create paint innovations, and boost number of outlets as well as investment in Pakistan.

Nawaz informed that the embassies of all central Asian countries are focused on enhancing trade and that foreign investors get full cooperation from them.