The City of Bulawayo has turned to Asian economic giant, Japan, in a bid to lure investors and corporates to Zimbabwe’s second largest city.
Bulawayo mayor David Coltart met Japanese ambassador to Zimbabwe Nobutaka Maekawa on Friday last week, pitching the city as a prime investment destination.
He also proposed a Sister City deal to boost structured ties with Japan.
Coltart had robust engagements with Maekawa during the courtesy visit, urging Japanese investors to invest in Bulawayo.
In a statement, council said Coltart “highlighted that the city offers many opportunities in various economic sectors, with Bulawayo providing competitive rental rates ideal for investment”.
Coltart commended Japan’s urban standards.
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“He further appreciated Japan’s cleanliness, proposing the establishment of a Sister City relationship with a Japanese city for structured bilateral relations,” according to details from the meeting.
Meanwhile, the Japanese ambassador noted ongoing support to the city’s health sector.
“Ambassador Maekawa highlighted that the Japanese embassy was working with health facilities in the city to improve medical access,” the statement said.
The envoy also signalled interest in strengthening commercial links.
“He stated that his wish is to see more co-operation between Bulawayo and Japanese entities in the business sector,” council said in the statement.