Japan eager to invest in Walvis Bay logistics hub
A Japanese business mission jointly organised by the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industries in South Africa (CCIJ) and Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO) is visiting Namibia from 21 to 24 February.
The mission consisting of representatives of eight major Japanese companies, is headed by the Chairman of CCIJ and the Regional Chief Operations Officer for Africa of Marubeni Corporation, Mr. Takashi Yao. The travelling delegation plans to meet with senior government officials to collect information updates and improve their understanding of economic policy and infrastructure development projects as well as the policy stance on mineral resources and the energy sector which includes incentives and regulations for investing in the environment.
In a statement announcing the visit, the Japanese Embassy said that the business delegation views Namibia as a politically and economically stable country which offers new business opportunities with its abundance of natural resources.
“Namibia is right in the process of becoming an international logistics and trade center, a gateway to the large market of the SADC region in line with its International Logistics Hub Master Plan adopted in 2015,” the Johannesburg Office for the Japan External Trade Organisation stated.
The business mission is visiting Walvis Bay on 21 and 22 February to be briefed on the International Logistics Hub Master Plan and to observe the development of the expansion of the port facilities.
In August 2016, the 6th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD VI) was held in Nairobi, Kenya, where the participating leaders of Japan and African countries affirmed the importance of strengthening h business relations and investment and trade for the further development of Africa.
In November 2016, the Namibian government conducted a very successful Invest in Namibia conference to appeal to international investors to do business in Namibia.
On 23 Februaury, the mission meets with the Minister of Mines and Energy and attend a mining seminar organized by Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation as well as a reception for the business community to network with members of the Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
