Economy

Japan to strengthen ties with development support at TICAD summit

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Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Japan is set to strengthen ties with African states in the upcoming TICAD Summit to be held in Nairobi. PHOTO | FILE

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will attend the 6th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) in Nairobi which will mark the first time the event is held in Africa, sources close to the PM confirmed Tuesday.

TICAD was launched by the government in 1993, with the previous five related events held in Japan aimed at planning means to offer infrastructural development based on superlative quality that taps into the country's technology.

The conference is planned to feature high-level policy dialogue between Japan and African leaders which will cover issues of economic development and investment, as well as those of trade and sustainable development.

Sources with the knowledge of the event revealed that issues of human security, peace and stable governance will also be discussed.

"Being a multilateral partnership, the TICAD process also actively promotes South-South and triangular cooperation, in addition to traditional cooperation," an official statement from the multilateral partnership organisation said.

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At the conclusion of the two-day conference, a declaration will be made that will refer to the region's ongoing potential for economic growth and touch on issues of counter-terrorism.

A local media in Japan say a sizable Japanese business delegation will be in attendance with the aim of boosting corporate investment in infrastructural projects in Africa.

Japan previously pledged $32 billion over five years for infrastructural and human resource development, with the funds available on the principle of "Africa ownership" and international partnership.

Japan has also given some $3.5 billion in official development assistance (ODA), which is equivalent to about 25 per cent of the $14 billion pledged a similar conference held in Yokohama three years ago.