adminA Japanese business delegation led by Vice Foreign Affairs Minister, Mr Toshiyuki Kato, met Foreign Affairs Minister Simbarashe Mumbengegwi and Youth Development, Indeginisation and Empowerment Minister Saviour Kasukuwere on Thursday.
The meetings were aimed at exploring how business relations could be restored.
In his opening remarks, Minister Mumbengegwi said although Japan had not imposed sanctions against Zimbabwe, its conduct was not in any way different from what the West had done on Harare.
“We have been wondering whether Japan had made undeclared sanctions on Zimbabwe. With your visit it shows that Japan is ready to do business with us . . . we want to restore relations with Japan to the level in which it was during the first 20 years of independence before we embarked on our land reform programme when sanctions were imposed,” said Minister Mumbengegwi.
He said the two countries used to enjoy good bilateral relations during the first 20 years.
Mr Kato said his country was keen to work together with Zimbabwe.
“Now it is time to work together and see what opportunities there are for us. I really appreciate that we discuss areas where we can co-operate,” said Mr Kato speaking through an interpreter.
During their meeting with Minister Kasukuwere, the business delegation sought to understand the indigenisation regulations and how they impacted on foreigners.
Minister Kasukuwere explained that there had been a lot of distortions about the Government’s legal position on the matter by some sections of the media.
“There has been deliberate distortion on the policy to paint this policy in bad light. There is no country that can develop when its citizens are outside the mainstream of the economy,” said Minister Kasukuwere.
He said it was critical to have an inclusive economy where indigenous persons participate in the investment activities of their country.
“It is not a law that takes away what you would have brought to Zimbabwe. No. This law is not punitive but encourages Zimbabweans to be in entrepreneurship,” he said.
The business delegation comprised mining, energy, communications, and Toyota motor industry among others.
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