Zambia has praised Japan for its efforts in improving lives of the people of eastern province through Public Private Partnership.
Eastern province Permanent Secretary Chanda Kasolo says there are a number of projects put in place by the Japanese government one of them being the Japan Tobacco International (JTI) a move which has helped the region improve lives of people in rural areas.
Speaking when Japanese Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Hidenobu Sobashima paid a courtesy call on him in Chipata this morning, Mr Kasolo noted that JTI support helped farmers improve on tobacco yields and food security.
The province will further appreciate if Japan could consider constructing the dry port for Chipata/Mchniji railway line
whose feasibility studies have been concluded, said the minister.
The PS stated that government in conjunction with the Japanese government is also intending to construct a dry port in Petauke district which is a high producer of agriculture commodities.
The PS has also appealed to the Japanese government to include people from the region on its training programmes.
And the visiting Ambassador, Mr Sobashima has congratulated eastern province for Chipata district becoming a newest city in the country.
Mr Sobashima said his country will continue assisting the country to improve on demand and supply commodity in projects where people are interested.
He said currently Japan trains 150 persons from Zambia under the Africa Business Initiative which attracts Industry and business persons.
Hope government you bring nice train not ordinary takes 15 hours at 100kms
A dry port is a great idea this will add value to the city. Knowing the people of Esten province how had working there are, it will be good.And probably the end of poverty.
Chipata city, poverty mbwe