Zimbabwe and Japan sign three MoUs

Debra Matabvu in OSAKA, Japan

Zimbabwe and Japan have signed three Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) in the areas of tourism and hospitality, mining, industry and commerce — a move that is set to enhance investment and trade between the two countries.

The MoUs were signed at the Zimbabwe Business Forum in Osaka this morning and were witnessed by President Mnangagwa.

Tourism and Hospitality Minister Barbara Rwodzi signed an MoU with the Japan Tourism Agency, while Mines and Mining Development Minister Winston Chitando signed one with the Japanese Organisation for Metals and Energy Security.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, Dr Thomas Utete Wushe, signed an MoU with Toyota Connected Company and Pegara.

In an interview, Minister Rwodzi said there is need to increase the number of Japanese tourists coming to Zimbabwe.

“We used to have 34 000 Japanese tourists coming to Zimbabwe. However, after the Covid-19 pandemic, the numbers went down,” she said.

“By partnering with Japan, we want to ensure that the Zimbabwean story is told to the Japanese through an official communication channel, which is their Embassy.

“This may remove any misconception one might have about Zimbabwe.”