Zim happy with Japan cordial relations
Herald Reporter
Zimbabwe is happy with the cordial relations existing with Japan and hopes they continue to grow for the benefit of the two countries’ people, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Deputy Minister Sheillah Chikomo has said.
Speaking at a function to mark the Japanese National Day yesterday, which coincides with the celebration of the Japanese emperor’s birthday, Deputy Minister Chkomo said Japan extended critical technical assistance to Zimbabwe in various sectors, which include agriculture, education, health and infrastructure.
“I am also pleased to note that Japan has always taken a keen interest in assisting smallholder irrigation projects which have positively contributed to the capacitating of local households to undertake horticulture activities through the establishment of income-generating projects,” she said.
“We recognise and appreciate the value of such projects as they contribute directly to better welfare and better living conditions for our rural communities. Most notable projects are the Nyakomba irrigation scheme and road improvement on the northern part of the north-south corridor.”
Deputy Minister Chikomo said it was notable that Japan was ready to implement phase two of the road development.
She said Japan’s consistency and unwavering support was essential in implementing government efforts to release an upper middle income status by 2030.
Zimbabwe, she said, welcomed the recent donation of food assistance worth US$1,3 million made by the Japnese government through the World Food Programme.
Japan also provided a grant of US$774 000 through the United Nations Children’s Fund to assist with the alleviation of cholera in Manicaland province, she said.
“These donations will ensure food security for vulnerable communities as well as addressing the cholera outbreak in Manicaland,” said Deputy Minister Chikomo.
She noted First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa’s visit to Japan in 2022 where she initiated cooperation in rice production using a special rice breed called new rice for Africa (Nerica).
“I am delighted to note that the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) experts on Nerica rice production visited the country in March 2023 and are currently working on expanding technical cooperation in rice production with the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development,” she said.
She commented Japan for assisting Zimbabwe in deploying its first satellite into orbit, which is assisting with meteorological services in the fight against climate change.
Speaking at the same occasion, Japanese ambassador to Zimbabwe Mr Shinichi Yamanaka said his country continued to cooperate with Zimbabwe in various fields.
“Our main projects this year in the areas of infrastructure is the road rehabilitation of the North-South corridor between Makuti and Chirundu,” he said. “Tomorrow we are signing the Phase 2 project to improve another steep section. I am sure that this project can contribute to promote safe and smooth logistics in the southern African region.”
Ambassador Yamanaka said Japanese experts were training Zimbabwean farmers to practice market-oriented horticultural farming.
He said Japan was going to promote Nerica, whose rice is resistant to disease and drought.
There were JICA volunteers sharing skills and experiences in various fields around Zimbabwe.
“Nearly 20 Zimbabweans are going to study every year at universities and schools in Japan with Japanese government and JICA scholarship programme,” said Ambassador Yamanaka.
“Actually, one of my main areas of focus will be on building economic and business relations between Zimbabwe and Japan.”
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