Newly appointed Pakistani Ambassador to Japan Farukh Amil said Wednesday that his mission here is to work as a catalyst for drawing further investment by Japanese businesses to his country while stressing that sound bilateral political ties form the basis of a flourishing economic bond.

During a courtesy visit to The Japan Times headquarters in Minato Ward, Tokyo, Amil stressed that it is "very important to invest in the next generation" — meaning that Japan's business presence in Pakistan, which first appeared in the late 1960s and early 1970s, should now be bolstered by further investment.

Such investment is necessary to maintain consumer loyalty and brand recognition of Japanese businesses in Pakistan, he added.

"In the next generation, in this highly competitive market, other Asian competitors are in a condition whereby they could erode (Japanese) market shares," he said. "Japanese items are much better quality than the other competitors, but if you're getting a car 40 percent cheaper, why would you want to spend your money on this — in a low-income country with a huge population."

He noted the importance of strengthening future bilateral ties by promoting personnel exchanges in various areas, including parliamentarians, academics and businesspeople.

Amil has nearly 30 years of diplomatic experience, with assignments in Cairo, Ankara, Washington and the United Nations headquarters in New York.