Story by Owen Mandovha, Business Reporter
THE government has outlined its strategic roadmap to maximise opportunities at Expo 2025 Osaka, which commences in less than a month in Japan.
On Thursday, the Japanese Embassy in Harare hosted government officials and private sector representatives to highlight the significance of Zimbabwe’s participation in the global event.
“Expo 2025 Osaka is an ideal platform to harness trade relations and cooperation between Japan and Zimbabwe and we are looking forward to host Zimbabwe’s government and the private sector to ensure that it leverages on this opportunity to advance its economic and diplomatic objectives,” Japanese Ambassador to Zimbabwe, His Excellency Shinichi Yamanaka said.
The government officials who participated in the session said there are several opportunities at the Expo where Zimbabwe will showcase its rich cultural heritage and renowned tourist attractions.
“The Expo is set to have a huge impact on the local tourism industry which has registered tremendous growth and the pavilion provides an opportunity to showcase Zimbabwe as a destination in terms of tourism offerings and heritage. Victoria Falls and Great Zimbabwe are two sites that excite tourists from Japan,” the Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Honourable Barbra Rwodzi said.
“We have set our sights on ensuring that as the Osaka 2025 Expo comes to an end, Zimbabwe will have managed to harvest a lot of trade and investment deals as our economic diplomacy policy thrust continues to bear fruit,” Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Honourable Sheila Chikomo added.
“During the several engagements and for a, we will ensure that the country benefits from investing in this global extravaganza.”
Zimbabwe’s Pavilion at the Expo is uniquely designed and well-positioned for exhibitors to market Zimbabwe to the outside world.
OSAKA Expo 2025 will be officially opened on April 13 and will run for the next six months until October 13 this year.
