AWAJ Builds the Bridge: Alliance Puts Governments, Startups and Investors on One Stage in Tokyo
Tokyo, July 15, 2026: Asia Web3 Alliance Japan (AWAJ) has taken a major step toward strengthening Pakistan–Japan technology cooperation by bringing together government leaders, startup founders and investors at a high-level summit hosted at the Embassy of Pakistan in Tokyo.
The event, led by AWAJ President Hinza Asif, highlighted the alliance’s vision of creating a sustainable innovation corridor between the two countries by connecting policymakers, entrepreneurs and venture capital under one platform.
The summit featured Japan’s Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Digital Affairs Kawasaki Hideto, Pakistan’s Federal Secretary for IT and Telecommunication Zarrar Hasham Khan, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Japan Abdul Hameed, Trade and Investment Counsellor Madiha Ali, venture capital advisor Jonathan T., and Tomoko Takasaki of Ibex Japan KK and Antler Ibex, alongside investors, technology companies and startup founders.
Speaking during the event, Hinza Asif emphasized that successful cross-border innovation requires close collaboration between governments, businesses and investors.
She noted that governments create supportive policies, startups drive innovation, and investors provide the capital needed to scale emerging businesses. According to Asif, bringing all three stakeholders together is essential for building a long-term Pakistan–Japan innovation ecosystem.
The summit highlighted Pakistan’s growing technology sector, with Federal Secretary Zarrar Hasham Khan stating that the country’s IT exports are expected to exceed $4.5 billion, supported by more than 26,000 IT companies, 75,000 technology graduates annually, and exports reaching over 170 countries.
He invited Japanese businesses to explore opportunities in offshore software development, remote IT services and skilled technology talent from Pakistan.
Addressing participants, Parliamentary Vice-Minister Kawasaki Hideto outlined Japan’s evolving digital strategy, including AI-friendly data regulations, stablecoin initiatives and Web3 policy reforms. He said stronger collaboration between Japan and Pakistan could help create a new era of digital cooperation.
Pakistan’s Ambassador Abdul Hameed said the country’s young, English-speaking workforce offers significant value for Japanese companies facing an increasing shortage of technology professionals.
During the panel discussion, venture capital mentor Jonathan T. discussed what international investors expect from emerging-market startups, while Tomoko Takasaki highlighted growing opportunities for Japanese corporations to collaborate with Pakistani technology companies through innovation partnerships.
A key focus of the discussions was Japan’s projected shortage of hundreds of thousands of IT engineers by 2030, creating opportunities for Pakistani professionals through skilled migration, startup collaboration and technology partnerships.
According to AWAJ, discussions are expected to continue through initiatives focused on investment facilitation, startup collaboration, talent mobility and government-to-government engagement, with the alliance aiming to institutionalize long-term cooperation between Pakistan and Japan.