The Sunday Mail
Nduduzo Tshuma in Sendai, Japan
President Mugabe yesterday met Japan International Co-operation Agency (Jica) president Professor Akehiko Tanaka to — among other issues – discuss technical co-operation in the area of using tourism as a poverty reduction tool.
The two met on the sidelines of the Third United Nations World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction here.
Prof Tanaka told journalists: “I think Zimbabwe has great resources for tourists. So, in our technical co-operation projects, we would like to explore together with the specialists in Zimbabwe about how to promote tourism so that the income of the people will increase. We have been working in the area of volunteer services as well as technical co-operation activities. I outlined some of the projects that we are now preparing in Zimbabwe such as geo-spacial database projects and community development projects.
“We are in the process of launching the technical co-operation soon. About some of the complete projects or activities; I anticipate that His Excellency will have a good conversation with our Prime Minister tomorrow (today).”
Prof Tanaka said President Mugabe had, in their discussion, made thoughtful observations about Japan’s development.
“I personally learnt a great deal from the conversation. I understand that His Excellency has shown great understanding and support for our activities in your country,” he said.
