Pretoria - Trade and political relations between South Africa and Japan will take centre stage when the two countries meet in the capital Tokyo, today.
Led by Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa, the South African delegation will pay courtesy calls on the Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, former Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori and hold discussions with the leader of the Liberal Democratic Party Sadakazu Tanigaki.
Deputy President Ramaphosa including ministers and business people are currently on an official visit aimed at enhancing existing trade and political relations between the two countries.
According to the Presidency, the delegation is also there to re-assure the Japanese that South Africa is open for business.
He will speak to Japanese Captains of Industry, an organisation boosting a membership of about 1 329 representative companies, 109 nation-wide industrial associations and 47 regional economic organisations, the Presidency said.
Since the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries in 1992, South Africa has seen an increase in Japanese investments. Pretoria wants to cement this, focusing primarily on economic relations.
He will also chair a round-table discussion on investment in energy and meet Tomiyasu Nakamura, vice-president of Jetro, an organisation that promotes trade and investment between Japan and the rest of the world.
Deputy President Ramaphosa will visit a Toyota plant in Tokyo for a presentation of the MIRAI Hydrogen Fuel Cell vehicle developed by the company, and will see a humanoid robot developed by Honda.
During his visit to Tokyo, Deputy President Ramaphosa will also seize the opportunity to hold discussions with Ambassador Yasushi Akashi on peace-building efforts, rehabilitation and reconstruction in Sri Lanka.
He is expected to return to South Africa on Wednesday. – SAnews.gov.za
