Tokyo, 2nd August 2023—Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) of Japan Mr. Nishimura Yasutoshi says his government is committed to deepening the bilateral cooperation that exists between the two countries through investment in the mining sector in Zambia.

Mr. Yasutoshi, who is also a member of the House of Representatives under the ruling Liberal Democratic Party of Japan, said Zambia’s political dispensation as a democratic country with a stable political environment guaranteed returns for investment.

He explained that Zambia was important to Japan owing to its abundant critical mineral endowment.

Mr. Yasutoshi noted that Japanese private companies were more than willing to partner with the Zambian Government and establish their businesses in Zambia.

He indicated that Japanese investment would have a positive trickle-down effect such as capacity building and technological transfer to the local people.

The Minister said this when Zambia’s Ambassador to Japan Dr. Tobias Mulimbika paid a courtesy call on him at the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry in Japan today.

Dr. Mulimbika expressed gratitude for the cooperation between the two countries that dates back to 1964.

He said the Embassy of the Republic of Zambia in Tokyo highly values the cordial relationship between Zambia and Japan as evidenced by the continued cooperation in various sectors of the economy.

Dr. Mulimbika also revealed that the Zambian Mission in Japan is making strides in the promotion of investment in the mining sector.

The Ambassador revealed that he will lead a total of ten companies from the mining sector in Japan accompanied by Minister of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI) of Japan Mr. Yasutoshi Nishimura, Officials from the Japan Organisation for Metals and Energy Security (JOGMEC), International Affairs Division Metals Strategy Department, Agency for Natural Resources and Energy Mineral and Natural Resources to Zambia to explore opportunities in the mining sector.

He added that the delegates will also participate in a roundtable business meeting from 6th to 11th August 2023 in Lusaka.

The Ambassador noted that the investment mission will be attended by officials from the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development (MMMD) and Commerce, Trade and Industry as well as stakeholders from the Zambia Chamber of Mines and the private sector.

Faith Nabeene Chilube
First Secretary Press and Public Relations
Embassy of the Republic of Zambia, Tokyo, Japan