Minister of Finance and National Planning, Situmbeko Musokotwane, has emphasized the need to deepen cooperation between Zambia and Japan.
Dr. Musokotwane says there is need for cooperation to evolve towards self-sufficiency for Zambia and Africa in general by focusing more on development, attracting Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) and thereby reducing borrowing by countries.
He said this during a bilateral meeting held with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan Ms. Kamikawa Yoko in Tokyo today, on the sidelines of the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) ministerial meeting ahead of TICAD 9 to be held in Yokohama in 2025.
Dr. Musokotwane called on the Japanese companies to invest in Zambia as the country is endowed with abundant natural resources for a green economy.
“Zambia is endowed with many critical minerals such as copper, nickel, manganese, lithium, cobalt and many others. We are inviting the Japanese companies to come and invest in the mining sector and ensure value addition is achieved,” said Dr. Musokotwane.
Dr. Musokotwane underscored the need for value addition which will ensure a win-win situation for all stakeholders and ensure job creation.
He reiterated the Government’s commitment to the provision of a conducive business environment, as evidenced by the on-going reforms being implemented.
And Ms. Kamikawa Yoko reiterated the Japanese Government’s commitment to supporting Zambia in may sectors of the economy.
Ms. Yoko assured Dr. Musokotwane that Japan shares mutual fundamental values and principles with Zambia and considers the country as an all-weather friend to Japan.
She said the donation of USD 2 million towards addressing the current food crisis caused by the drought is evidence of the friendship.
This is contained in a statement issued to RCV News in Lusaka today by First Secretary Press and Public Relations, at the Zambian Embassy in Tokyo- Japan, Faith Chilube.
By Eva Hatontola
