adminNduduzo Tshuma in Japan
PRESIDENT Mugabe yesterday met the president of the Japan International Co-operation Agency (Jica), Professor Akehiko Tanaka, and discussed technical co-operation in the utilisation of tourism as a means of reducing poverty among other projects.
The two met at a local hotel on the sidelines of the 3rd United Nations World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction in Sendai, Japan.
Speaking to the media after the meeting Prof Tanaka said the technical co-operation on the promotion of tourism would be launched soon.
“I think Zimbabwe has great resources for tourists so in our technical co-operation projects we would like to explore together with the specialists in Zimbabwe about how to promote tourism so that the income of the people will increase,” he said.
Prof Tanaka paid tribute to the President’s support of their activities in the country.
“We have been working in the area of volunteer services as well as technical co-operation activities. I outlined some of the projects that we are now preparing in Zimbabwe such as geospatial database projects and community development projects,” he said.
“We are in the process of launching the technical co-operation soon. About some of the complete projects or activities, I anticipate that His Excellency will have a good conversation with our Prime Minister tomorrow (today).”
Prof Tanaka said President Mugabe had in their discussion made thoughtful observation about the development of Japan and his memories of recent events in that country, Asia and Africa.
“I personally learnt a great deal from the conversation. I understand that His Excellency has shown great understanding and support for our activities in your country,” he said.
President Mugabe is scheduled to meet Japanese Prime Minister Abe Shinzo today.
Online Reporter