TOKYO, July 16, 2026 — The Asia Web3 Alliance Japan brought senior government officials, investors, technology executives and startup representatives from Pakistan and Japan together in Tokyo on Wednesday to explore investment, talent mobility and digital cooperation between the two countries.

The Pakistan-Japan technology summit, held at the Embassy of Pakistan in Tokyo, focused on connecting government policy, startup innovation and private capital. Organisers said the initiative aims to create a more structured pathway for Pakistani technology companies and professionals seeking access to the Japanese market.

The event was organised by the Asia Web3 Alliance Japan, or AWAJ, in collaboration with the Pakistani embassy. The Tokyo-based alliance is led by its president, Hinza Asif, who also moderated a panel discussion involving venture capital and corporate innovation experts.

Participants included Japan’s Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Digital Affairs Kawasaki Hideto, Pakistan’s Federal Secretary for Information Technology and Telecommunication Zarrar Hasham Khan, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Japan Abdul Hameed and Trade and Investment Counsellor Madiha Ali.

Jonathan T., a mentor associated with 500 Global and a venture capital adviser, and Tomoko Takasaki of Ibex Japan KK and Antler Ibex also participated alongside investors, founders and business representatives from both countries.

Summit Focuses on Policy, Capital and Startup Cooperation

The discussions centred on the role governments, entrepreneurs and investors can play in developing a Pakistan-Japan innovation corridor.

Speakers said government policies could provide the regulatory and institutional framework needed for cross-border partnerships, while startups could contribute technology, engineering expertise and new products. Investors, meanwhile, could provide the capital and market access required for businesses to expand internationally.

Asif said collaboration among all three groups was necessary because governments, founders and investors could not establish a sustainable technology corridor independently.

The summit also highlighted Japan’s startup visa system and demand for technology professionals as possible opportunities for Pakistani entrepreneurs, software engineers and artificial intelligence specialists.

Organisers said holding the event at the Pakistani embassy provided Japanese institutions with an official point of contact for engaging with Pakistan’s technology sector, while offering Pakistani founders access to Japanese policymakers and business networks.

Japanese Official Outlines Digital and Web3 Policies

In his keynote address, titled “Creating the Digital Future: Startup Co-Creation in the AI and Web3 Era,” Kawasaki discussed Japan’s evolving regulatory approach to artificial intelligence, digital assets and data use.

He referred to changes in data protection and data utilisation policies, the development of yen-denominated stablecoins and regulatory measures covering digital tokens.

Kawasaki also highlighted Japan’s work on artificial intelligence, on-chain finance and the international Data Free Flow with Trust initiative.

He said cooperation combining Japan’s technological and industrial experience with Pakistan’s young workforce could support the development of new digital trade and innovation links between the two countries.

Pakistan Presents Technology Export and Talent Potential

Addressing the event through video link, Federal Secretary Zarrar Hasham Khan presented figures on Pakistan’s information technology industry and skilled workforce.

He said Pakistan’s IT exports were expected to exceed $4.5 billion, while freelance earnings had reached approximately $1.1 billion.

According to the figures presented at the summit, Pakistan has more than 26,000 IT companies and produces over 75,000 graduates annually through more than 260 universities. Pakistani technology businesses currently provide services to clients in more than 170 countries.

Khan said Japanese companies could work with Pakistan through remote service delivery, offshore development centres or the recruitment of skilled professionals.

Ambassador Abdul Hameed said Pakistan’s young and English-speaking workforce could complement Japan’s technology and innovation requirements.

Madiha Ali, who served as master of ceremonies, also highlighted trade, investment and business cooperation opportunities during the event.

Investors Discuss Startup Readiness and Corporate Partnerships

During the panel discussion, Jonathan T. outlined the requirements emerging-market startups commonly face when approaching international investors.

He discussed the importance of business readiness, mentorship, acceleration programmes and clearer expansion strategies for founders seeking cross-border funding.

Tomoko Takasaki presented the corporate venture perspective, explaining how Japanese companies looking for new technologies and business models could engage with Pakistan’s startup ecosystem.

The discussion also focused on Japan’s expected shortage of technology professionals and the potential role of Pakistan’s growing engineering workforce in addressing demand for skilled employees.

Follow-Up Programmes Planned

AWAJ said it plans to continue discussions through cross-border investment facilitation, corporate-startup pilot projects, talent mobility programmes and government engagement.

The alliance and the Embassy of Pakistan in Tokyo also intend to develop a more institutionalised framework for technology, investment and workforce cooperation between Pakistan and Japan.

Organisers described the Tokyo summit as an initial step towards establishing longer-term connections among policymakers, investors, companies and founders from both countries.