Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday said that law and order situation in the country had significantly improved as a consequence of operation 'Zarb-e-Azb.' 

According to an official statement, he was talking to Takashi Kurai, Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan who called on him at PM House Islamabad. The PM further said, "Pakistan regards Japan as a close friend and a reliable economic partner."

"Pakistan hopes Japan would review Pakistan's inclusion in Travel Advisory list in this regard," the PM added.

Emphasising on bilateral relations, PM said, "Pakistan looks forward to greater level of co-operation between the two countries particularly in the areas of trade, investment, infrastructure and energy."

PM stated, "Both sides need to initiate negotiations on bilateral Free Trade Agreement (FTA)."

"Japan may also consider a 3-4 year exception for Pakistani textiles under its Temporary Tariff Measures to bring Pakistan at par with its competitors who enjoy free access to Japanese market," added the Prime Minister.

The PM also welcomed companies from Japan to invest in Pakistan that would enhance the capacity of Pakistan industrial sector to produce value added goods.

The Japanese Ambassador appreciated Pakistan's economic growth and stated that, "Pakistan's perception particularly in Japan has changed to a business-friendly country."

He further added that, "Japan gives importance to investment security, infrastructure and business friendly environment and in all three aspects Pakistan has achieved marked improvement."

-NNI