Mashatile calls for a strengthening of relations with Japan

By Simon Nare

Deputy President Paul Mashitaile has encouraged the South African government and Japan to explore more trade opportunities as the country looks at shifting focus on trade partnerships.

Mashatile, speaking to Japanese media on Wednesday, said the strained diplomatic relations between South and the US was a reason why the country wanted to shift focus and diversify its export markets, and not rely on single trading partners.

However, he said the South African government was still committed to stabilising relations with the US.

The deputy president said South Africa and Japan enjoyed trade and investment relations which have been going back for more than a century.

“South Africa and Japan enjoy well-established diplomatic relations which are particularly strong in the fields of trade and investment, science and technology and education, skills transfer and capacity building through development assistance.

“Full diplomatic relations with Japan were established on 13 January