Christopher Sinyangwe addresses the Japanese Investment and Trade
mission delegation which included Japanese Ambassador to Zambia
Kiyoshi Koinuma and Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industries in
South Africa vice chairman Hiroshi Okado during the conducted tour of
the MFEZ last week.
Japanese Ambassador to Zambia Kiyoshi Koinuma says Zambia and Japan should encourage academic exchange programmes in scientific research for the benefit of the two countries.
Mr. Koinuma says he wants to see more Zambian students study in Japan and return back to apply their skill and expertise in Zambia.
He explains that the two countries can only develop if students are allowed to interact through academic exchange programmes in critical areas such as research.
He was speaking at his residence last night during the Zambia-Japan symposium reception.
The ambassador said Japan has opened doors for Zambian students to study in that country through Hokkaido University.
Mr. Koinuma has since hailed the bilateral relationship the two countries have enjoyed since independence.
He further said the relations had led to the establishment of the school of veterinary medicine at the University of Zambia 30 years ago.
Mr. Koinuma said the Japanese government, through Hokkaido University, initiated the establishment of the Centre for Zoonosis disease control at the University of Zambia which he said was a good collaboration between the two universities.
And UNZA Vice Chancellor Stephen Simukanga commended the Japanese government for establishing and supporting the school of veterinary medicine at UNZA.
Professor Simukanga disclosed that 70 percent of staff at the school of veterinary medicine were trained in Japan while a number of Zambian students are currently studying in Japan.
The reception was attended by Minister of Agriculture Given Lubinda, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine Representative Shigeo Ito, former UNZA School of veterinary medicine dean Aaron Mweene and UNZA staff and students.
Indeed, if only Japan can come out of the cocoon of being aloof.
What the amb, should have said is that Japan must be seeing to invest in Basic Science not only veterinary medicine.