ISLAMABAD, Jan 16: An eight-member Japanese business delegation, led by Yamada Yoshiki, on Tuesday called on the Senate chairman and discussed with him possibilities of Japanese investment in the field of power generation, jewellery, housing and construction industry came under discussion.

During the meeting Muhammedmian Soomro informed the delegation that "we have a lot of expertise in the field of jewellery and that collaboration between the two countries would be fruitful." The Senate chairman told the Japanese investors that more and more foreign companies were making investments in various fields these days and having good returns.

He told them that there was a tremendous scope for power generation as Pakistan was short of electricity.

Mr Soomro said: "We discourage the use of furnace oil for generation of electricity because of its high cost as production of electricity by using coal would be quite cheaper.”

The Senate chairman called upon the Japanese team to opt for cheaper options, like use of hydropower, solar energy and the wind-mills for power production.

Regarding cooperation in the field of construction industry, Mr Soomro told the Japanese team that there was a shortage of nearly six million housing units in the country, and that Pakistan would welcome Japanese investment in the construction sector.

While welcoming the Japanese investors, the Senate chairman highlighted the cordial and friendly relations between Pakistan and Japan and hoped that the growing ties between Japan and Pakistan would play a significant role in the progress, prosperity and development of the region.