Japan, Ethiopia eye new areas of cooperation
State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Aklilu Hailemikael met with Japanese Delegation led by Mr. Shinchi Saida, Ambassador of Japan to Ethiopia, at his offices today. (March 27, 2017) and the two sides discussed on industrial parks development, a new area of engagement in the bilateral ties.
They also reiterated on the need to widen cooperation at the bilateral and continental level, in areas including investment, trade, financing, and technology transfer and policy dialogue. They also discussed on preparations to receive the Japanese Business delegation in Addis Ababa soon.
State Minister Dr. Aklilu stated Ethiopia and Japan have long standing relations, in which this time, he said, should be further up-graded and widened. The State Minister said, currently the major areas of partnerships between the two countries include cooperation in the KAIZEN Philosophy, Industrial parks development, Foreign Direct Investment, Education and Trade sectors among others. He noted the need to elevate the cooperation in investment and industrial financing sector.
Japanese Ambassador Mr. Shinchi Saida praised the strong relations between Japan and Ethiopia and stated that in order to increase Japanese investment in Ethiopia the delegation comprised of more than 30 middle-level Japanese companies would be visiting Ethiopia soon.
Speaking about TICAD dialogue, the Ambassador said, it has been a monumental platform of cooperation of the ties between Japan and Africa since its establishment in 1993. Ambassador Saida noted that the basic principle of TICAD is respecting African Ownership in the partnerships. TICAD, the Ambassador added, should be further explored to enhance cooperation with Ethiopia as well as with the African continent.
Ambassador Saida further said Japanese companies are looking forward to invest in the infrastructure and Industrial parks development, energy as well as in the water sector. He underlined Japanese companies would not only invest in the development of Industrial parks but also in financing it. Dr. Aklilu further elaborated the visitors about investment opportunities available in the country. He added the exemplary relation of Japan with the East African region could serve as a model the rest of Africa.
