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The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Chief Representative, Norihito Yonebayashi is confident that effective use of natural resources can accelerate Zambia’s economic recovery.
Yonebayashi said Zambia was endowed with a lot of natural resources such abundant water resources, minerals and wildlife coupled with peace and stability which had the potential to drive the economy without damaging the environment.
He said Zambia could learn from the Japanese experience on how to strike a balance between industrialisation and the environment.
Yonebayashi said this at the opening of the second JICA Chair in partnership with the University of Zambia (UNZA) last week.
“Zambia is not different from Japan and hope some of the lessons learnt from its experience can be of use as the country strives for more economic growth through various interventions guided by the Eighth National Development Plan.
“As you are aware, Japan is one of the most highly developed and industrialised countries in the world.
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This status, was attained over a period of time and was not without challenges,” Yonebayashi.
He said in the past, Japan mining such as copper and lead which was one of the major industry for developing manufacturing for industrialisation.
Yonebayashi however said because of this, there was serious damage and contamination to the natural resources and the people.
“We made a lot of mistakes in the past but we know how to cope with the challenges and development. In Zambia, you have natural resources and rich assets all over the country.
“I do not see any reason why Zambia cannot develop. But to do not sacrifice your various precious assets in the name of development as Japan did in the past,” Yonebayashi.
Yonebayashi said in order not to repeat this tragedy, the country enacted laws and regulations to protect the environment and human life while developing the manufacturing sector.
He said through this process, Japan had realised that the economy and environment should be compatible and consistent.
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