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Wallace Ruzvidzo-Herald Reporter

The Osaka 2025 Expo to be held in Japan is an excellent opportunity for Zimbabwe to further its engagement and re-engagement diplomatic offensive, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Permanent Secretary Ambassador Albert Chimbindi has said.

In a speech read on his behalf by Director of International Trade Mr Kingdom Gandanga at a stakeholder meeting held in Harare last night, Ambassador Chimbindi said Zimbabwe’s participation at next year’s expo was evidence of the country’s intent to become a key player on the global arena.

Expo 2025 is an upcoming World Expo organised and sanctioned by the Bureau International des Expositions and it will take place for six months starting from April 13 through to October 13.

“The Expo offers us an invaluable opportunity to engage with the world as we seek to strengthen, broaden and deepen our trade, investment and tourism ties with the international community for mutual benefit in line with our mantra of being a friend to all and an enemy to none,” he said.

“The Expo serves as a strategic platform where countries come together to exchange ideas, foster business connections, and market their goods and services for mutual benefit of their societies and economies.”

Amb Chimbindi also rallied the media fraternity to play its part in promoting Zimbabwe as an investment destination of choice.

“Effective participation at this International Expo will enable us to present to the world our country as a preferred investment destination, showcasing the abundant opportunities, especially in tourism, agriculture, mining and manufacturing, innovation hubs, health and infrastructure,” he said.

The Japan Embassy in Zimbabwe’s Charge d’Affaires Mr Hiroyuki Kumagai said Japan was on track in terms of its preparations to host the expo.

“With just 162 days remaining, Japan is fully committed and on track with its preparations for this event in Osaka.

“In addition, I hope this opportunity will strengthen Japan and Zimbabwe’s relationship in various ways,” said Mr Kumagai.

He said the event presented a platform for countries such as Zimbabwe to showcase their innovations.

“This event presents a unique opportunity for nations around the globe to share their innovations, experiences and visions for a sustainable and inclusive future.

“We believe that this Expo will not only foster cooperation and dialogue, but also inspire people to think creatively about the challenge that world faces today,” he said.

Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Permanent Secretary Mr Nick Mangwana said the media played an important role in promoting Brand Zimbabwe.

“As we prepare for this event, we recognise the role the media plays in amplifying our message and promoting our national interests.

“We urge the media to harness its immense influence to mobilise the nation towards a unified purpose.

“Your platforms have the power to shape public discourse, inspire collective action, and foster a sense of shared ownership and promote the national interest,” he said.

Mr Mangwana said the media had a crucial role in propelling the country to greater heights before, during and after the expo.

“The media’s role in shaping the national narrative has never been more crucial.

“Let us seize this moment to inspire, to inform, to educate, and to empower, and to propel our nation to greatness,” he said.

The Permanent Secretary then outlined what was expected of the media fraternity, before, during and after the country’s participation at the expo.

ZimTrade chief executive Mr Allan Majuru said the expo was an event Zimbabwe could not afford to miss.

The objective of the country’s participation, he said, was to promote Brand Zimbabwe.

“So imagine 150 countries participating, and Zimbabwe is not there, so it is a place where we all need to be,” he said.