Africa-Press – Cape verde. The Minister of the Sea said this Thursday in Tokyo that the country has ambitious development goals and expressed “strong interest” in attracting Japanese investment and tourists, highlighting the country’s competitive advantages and opportunities in various sectors.
Jorge Santos was speaking at the Japan-Cape Verde Economic Forum in Tokyo, organized in partnership with JETRO as part of the celebrations for Cape Verde’s 50th anniversary of independence and 50 years of diplomatic relations with Japan.
On the occasion, he emphasized that Cape Verde offers solid conditions for foreign investment, such as “a geostrategic location, political, economic, and social stability, respect for the democratic rule of law, economic freedom, investment incentives, exchange rate parity with the euro, good governance, and preferential access to European and American markets,” in addition to full integration into the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“We are investing heavily in infrastructure that supports the private sector,” he said, noting the expansion of airports and ports, the construction of the new cruise terminal in São Vicente, and the development of technology parks.
Jorge Santos emphasized that the sea is the country’s main strategic resource, with an Exclusive Economic Zone of 734,000 km2, and that Cape Verde intends to consolidate itself as an International Maritime and Logistics Platform through the Maritime Special Economic Zone in São Vicente.
In the fishing sector, he highlighted the long-standing presence of the Japanese company Japan Tuna and advocated for strengthening cooperation in fishing, aquaculture, fish transshipment, ship repair, and bunkering, positioning Cape Verde as a logistics base of excellence for the Japanese fleet in the Middle Atlantic.
“Tourism, the main driver of the national economy, has already reached 1.2 million visitors per year. Now, we want to diversify our offerings beyond sun and sand, integrating cultural tourism, cruises, and recreational boating,” he stated, indicating that the country is open to Japanese tourists and investors.
Jorge Santos also highlighted the role of desalination in the supply of drinking water and mentioned the ongoing project on Santiago Island, financed by JICA and developed by ANAS with the Toyota Tsusho Corporation.
He also mentioned investment in the safe reuse of wastewater for agricultural irrigation, combined with renewable energy, as a response to severe droughts and an opportunity for Japanese investment.
The president recalled Cape Verde’s active participation in the Osaka Expo, currently in its final stages, and said that this Saturday will be Cape Verde’s National Day at the event, “an emblematic moment of affirmation of our culture, identity, and strategic partnerships.”
“We are convinced that Japanese investments will generate significant benefits for investors and the country, contributing to a mutually beneficial and lasting partnership,” he declared.
Finally, he invited Japanese businesspeople to visit Cape Verde and learn about the opportunities available, assuring the government’s commitment to strengthening political, diplomatic, cooperative, and economic relations with Japan.
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