President Hakainde Hichilema has called for deepened relations between the Japanese and Zambian governments focusing on key areas of collaboration in the energy, health, agriculture, technology, infrastructure development among others.
President Hichilema further shared his vision of the country through economic transformation and expansion with the view of growing the economy for job creation.
Mr Hichilema said this when the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA), president Tanaka Akihiko paid a courtesy call on him at State House today.
The President pointed out the need for increased investments between Zambia and Japan which should be multi-dimensional culminating into regional and global growth by deepening partnerships.
The Head of State also touched on technology, infrastructure development and value addition as areas which need to be strengthened between the two countries.
In the agriculture sector, the President called for the need to mitigate the effects of climate change which have affected Zambia with the recent drought raising the option for water harvesting for both power generation and irrigation purposes.
‘’Because of the drought we have an energy insecurity which threatens the shutdown of the economy, “he said.
And JICA president, Dr Akihiko said investment is key for any country to develop.
He called for the need to create an enabling environment for the private sector to thrive.
The JICA president mentioned that the mining sector is key in developing the country which is Zambia’s big advantage for development.
At the same occasion Minister of Health, Silvia Masebo appreciated the support the Japanese government has rendered in the health sector citing the expansion of clinics into Level One Hospitals in
Kanyama, Matero, Mandevu, Chilenje and Chawama.
Mrs Masebo urged the Japanese government to consider strengthening the health system in the country to achieve quality health care for the people.
She also asked for enhanced transport in the health system chain for ambulances especially in rural areas whose terrain needs good transportation.
And Minister of Agriculture, Mtolo Phiri said the sector is looking forward to enhanced irrigation systems
to facilitate small scale farmers and also the need for exploration in the energy sector.
To amplify the collaboration between the two countries Minister of Information and Media Cornelius
Mweetwa appreciated the support the country has benefited citing the Mass Media Complex which was
built by the Japanese government.
