Luanda: The Embassy of Japan to Angola is actively engaging with Japanese entrepreneurs to foster initiatives aimed at enhancing economic cooperation between Japan and Angola. Tetsuya Unno, the deputy chief counselor of Japan's diplomatic mission in Angola, emphasized this during a press conference held in Luanda. Unno highlighted the embassy's ongoing dialogue efforts, which seek to bolster the private sectors of both nations, ultimately contributing to the diversification of Angola's economy.

According to Angola Press News Agency, the event 'A Night of Japanese Culture with Lecture and Sake Tasting', scheduled for this Friday, is part of Japan's strategy to promote these partnerships. This initiative aligns with broader efforts by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), which is set to implement a five-year project from 2024 to 2028 in Moxico and Lunda-Sul, focusing on enhancing rice production in Angola.

Tonoike Shigeki, the president of Sake Brewery, expressed his company's intention to deepen exchanges between Japan and Angola through the private sector. Shigeki aims to share the traditional Japanese technique of producing sake, which involves rice fermentation. He noted the cultural significance of sake production in Japan, where it remains an integral part of ceremonies and social life.

Shigeki also remarked on the limited awareness among Japanese people regarding Africa's economic development, particularly in Angola, where he observed significant progress beyond the continent's wildlife, commonly associated with elephants, lions, and other species.

The cultural event is part of the commemorations marking 50 years of friendly relations between Angola and Japan. Data indicates that trade between the two countries primarily involves Angola's oil exports and the import of Japanese machinery, vehicles, and technology, with a business volume of approximately 400 million dollars. The cooperation is further reinforced by investments in infrastructure projects such as the Port of Namibe, as well as initiatives in digitalization, energy, and agriculture.