| GEO Business | | Pak need additional assistance: Japan | Updated at: 1455 PST, Tuesday, March 24, 2009
 TOKYO: Japan will host a donors meeting for Pakistan on April 17 that is set to be attended by President Asif Ali Zardali and US envoy Richard Holbrooke, officials said Tuesday.
The World Bank will co-chair the meeting aimed at "helping Pakistan address its difficult challenges, such as economic reform and the fight against terrorism," Japan's foreign ministry said in a statement.
"Pakistan has experienced severe external and internal shocks in the past year and is confronting a very difficult macroeconomic situation in the face of a rapidly deteriorating global economy," it said.
"With dampened external demand for its exports, an inflated import bill and low investor confidence, Pakistan needs additional assistance from the international community to restore economic stability."
Japan has sought to contribute to US-led efforts in Pakistan and Afghanistan, as US President Barack Obama's administration has reviewed its policies and appointed Holbrooke as regional envoy.
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