By Christopher Makaza
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister, Sibusiso Moyo has commended Japan for being Zimbabwe`s all-weather friend despite economic challenges facing the country.
Speaking to the media whilst giving a summary of the Tokyo International Conference on Africa Development (TICAD7) in Tokyo Japan yesterday, Minister Moyo highlighted the areas in which the Asian country has assisted Zimbabwe
“Japan’s interest is towards regional integration, national linkages are critical to them that’s why they financed the Chirundu Boarder Post, the construction of it and now the Makuti mountainous area 6.5km road which was commissioned by His Excellency President Emmerson Mnangagwa at a price of $21mil.
“That was phase one and they are committed to coming up with phase two and subsequent phases as long as it is within the framework of regional integration. The Japanese Foreign Minister extended a US$1.7mil for medical equipment from Japan which is being donated to Harare Hospital. This was a testimony of implementing the themes and values of TICAD7,” he said.
Minister Moyo said that Japan continued to be an all-weather friend as it had offered and promised to build and manufacture several plants.
“There were commitments to support Zimbabwe, not only in its difficult times like during Cyclone Idai and its repercussions but also during drought. We have also seen some companies who have offered to build consulates, here in Japan in different parts of the city and who are prepared to come and establish manufacturing plants for different products which will be used specifically for the construction of roads and other issues. They are also coming in to do solar energy and various other activities,” he said.
Minister Moyo went on to say, “What we are seeing is the generating interest of an emerging market called Zimbabwe by TICAD7 which has reinvigorated the spirit we are used and acclimatised to. We are going to be seeing quite a lot of grants, a lot of investments in Zimbabwe coming from the Japanese angle.”
The success of TICAD 7 has brought on track the re-engagement efforts Zimbabwe is undertaking.
