Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Professor Amon Murwira has reaffirmed that trade-driven cooperation is the path to peace and development during the Japan National Day celebrations held in Harare yesterday.
Speaking as Guest of Honour, the Minister said the occasion symbolised more than a ceremonial event, describing it as confirmation of a long-standing partnership between Zimbabwe and Japan built on trust, respect and shared development goals.
“This celebration is not merely about marking a calendar date, but a testament to the power of cooperation between our two nations.
Our relationship with Japan has remained stable, confident and mutually respectful, and it continues to grow stronger through economic diplomacy,” he said
He noted that bilateral relations gained new momentum last year.
“The relations gained new momentum following President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s participation at the World Expo 2025 in Osaka and the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9) in Yokohama, engagements he said laid a firm foundation for deeper cooperation,” he said.
In agriculture, Prof. Murwira said Zimbabwe’s partnership with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is already producing tangible results through climate-resilient farming methods and the expansion of Nerica rice production in rural provinces.
“One of the most significant milestones of this cooperation is the first-ever export of sesame seeds from Zimbabwe to Japan.
This success is a direct outcome of the Market-Orientated Agriculture Initiative and the Smallholder Horticulture Empowerment and Promotion project, which are empowering our farmers to participate in international markets,” Minister Murwira added.
Prof. Murwira stressed that Zimbabwe’s foreign policy doctrine places trade at the centre of global stability.
“We always say, if we don’t trade, what do we want to do? I think trade is the main driver of peaceful co-existence. There is either trade or a grab. We call for trade,” he said.
He invited Japanese investors to explore opportunities in mining, manufacturing, renewable energy, tourism and infrastructure.
“There is export potential in value-added minerals and the appeal of destinations such as Victoria Falls,” he noted.
He announced plans to establish a structured Zimbabwe–Japan diplomatic consultation framework.
“To deepen cooperation across sectors, including skills mobility and human capital development, the two countries will establish a structures Zimbabwe-Japan consultation framework,” Minister Murwira said.
Zimbabwe and Japan have maintained cordial relations for decades, with cooperation spanning agriculture, infrastructure development, education and technology transfer.
Under the Second Republic, Government has prioritised economic diplomacy as a key pillar of foreign policy aimed at attracting investment, expanding exports and strengthening partnerships that support national development.
