daniel chigunwe
Business Writer/NewZiana
Zimbabwe’s participation at next year’s Osaka (Japan) Expo presents another opportunity to explore global trade and investment opportunities and also further the country’s re-engagement agenda, according to a senior government.
The expo is expected to run from April 13 to October 23 next year.
In a speech read on his behalf during a media engagement forum on Zimbabwe’s Expo 2025 preparations, Foreign Affairs and International Trade permanent secretary, Albert Chimbindi, said the exhibition offered an opportunity to engage with the world as the country seeks to strengthen, broaden and deepen trade, investment and tourism ties with the international community.
“As the Ministry mandated to promote, safeguard, defend and protect Zimbabwe’s interests abroad, we are confident that the Expo 2025 Osaka will be an excellent opportunity to further our engagement and re-engagement agenda, expanding our trade, tourism and investment horizons, thereby enhancing the prospects of attaining our National Vision of an Empowered Upper Middle Income Society by 2030,” he said.
Embassy of Japan’s Charge d’ Affaires, Hiroyuki Kumagai, said Zimbabwe should use the chance to showcase it’s potential in various spheres on the global stage.
“With the Expo expecting more than 150 countries exhibiting and around 28 million visitors, we believe Zimbabwe will utilise the opportunity to showcase the beauty and great potential of the country,” he said.
He said Japan was well prepared for the 2025 Expo.
“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 challenges the world faces today. And I wish this opportunity will strengthen Japan and Zimbabwe relationship in various way,” he said.
Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services permanent secretary Ndabaningi Mangwana underscored the importance of the media in promoting Zimbabwe’s interests at Osaka Expo.
“We urge the media to harness its immense influence to mobilise the national psyche towards a unified purpose. The media’s role in shaping the national narrative has never been more crucial – let us seize this moment to inspire, inform, educate and empower our nation to greatness,” he said.
Allan Majuru, the commissioner general of Expo Osaka 2025, said Zimbabwe’s pavilion expected three million visitors. – New Ziana
Bongani Ndlovu