ISLAMABAD, August 23, Japanese Embassy held here an impressive ceremony for handing over a special award to Hirofumi Nagao for making an outstanding contribution in developing Pak-Japan economic and diplomatic relations. The award, a commendation certification was given to him by Japanese Ministry Foreign Affairs. Hirofumi Nagao earned this rare distinction developing automobile industry in Pakistan in his capacity as a chief executive Suzuki Motor company. He severed over 27 years in Pakistan and had a major role in transfer of technology and providing best possible transport facility to the local people. Japanese ambassador Takashi Kurai while addressing the ceremony paid rich tributes to him and said during his long career in Pakistan Hirofumi Nagao contributed not only in the developing Pakistan’s automobile industry, but also in strengthening the overall economic relations between the two countries. Besides this, Nagao made best efforts to upgrade the business environment in Pakistan for foreign companies, through policy recommendations to the government of Pakistan. Moreover, the ambassador added, the corporate special social activities in the field of education, health and environment has been highly appreciated and well accepted in Pakistan. It also contributed a lot developing mutual trust and cooperation between the two countries. About the Suzuki Company’s working in Pakistan, the ambassador further said it participated in the “Concept of People’s Car” initiative by the government of Pakistan in 1979 and started its production in 1982. Ever since it made tremendous contribution in development of the automobile industry as well as promoting transfer of technology to local parts’ manufacturers and providing job opportunity to about 3,000 people, he added. Hirofumi Nagao on the occasion thanked the government of Pakistan for its support in developing the automobile industry. He noted that the current production capacity of Suzuki plant in Karachi has reached to 150,000 units per annum. INP/J/AH