WORKING VISIT OF THE HONOURABLE DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER AND MINISTER OF RURAL AND REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT TO JAPAN 17-23 FEBRUARY 2024
WORKING VISIT OF THE HONOURABLE DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER AND MINISTER OF RURAL AND REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT TO JAPAN 17-23 FEBRUARY 2024
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Rural and Regional Development The Honourable Dato' Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi will undertake a working visit to the cities of Tokyo and Osaka in Japan from 17 to 23 February 2024. This marks the first visit by The Honourable Deputy Prime Minister to Japan since his appointment in December 2022. He will be accompanied by Minister of Higher Education The Honourable Dato' Seri Diraja Dr. Zambry Abd Kadir, senior officials of the relevant ministries and agencies as well as representatives from the institutes of higher education.
During the visit to Tokyo, The Honourable Deputy Prime Minister is scheduled to hold a discussion with Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan His Excellency Masahito Moriyama. It will provide an opportunity for both sides to discuss and exchange views on bilateral matters of mutual interest, particularly in the field of education with focus on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
The Honourable Deputy Prime Minister will also be conferred an Honorary Degree from Shibaura Institute of Technology (SIT), Tokyo in recognition of his contribution to the strengthening of Malaysia-Japan technical education cooperation and effort in uplifting TVET.
In addition, The Honourable Deputy Prime Minister will receive a courtesy call from the President of the Organization for Industrial, Spiritual and Cultural Advancement (OISCA) International Ms. Etsuko Nakano. He is also scheduled to visit the National Institute of Technology, Tokyo College (Tokyo KOSEN) to gain valuable insights into Japan's exemplary TVET system, as well as hosting engagement sessions with Malaysian students and community in Tokyo.
The Honourable Deputy Prime Minister will also witness the signing of the Collaboration Agreement on Innovation Partnership between MyDIGITAL Corporation and Toshiba Digital Solutions Corporation in the application of big data technology.
While in Osaka, The Honourable Deputy Prime Minister is slated to attend a business engagement with the Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) as well as the Roundtable Session: “Connecting Halal Ecosystem Between Malaysia and Japan to Enhance Trade, Investment and Quality Employment”. The Honourable Deputy Prime Minister will also undertake a site visit to Sanda Shokuniku Kosha Co., Ltd to observe the operation of the Japanese slaughterhouse in the production and supply of halal beef.
This working visit is the first high-level engagement between both countries since the elevation of Malaysia-Japan bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in December 2023. It underscores the commitment to strengthening ties and fostering cooperation in various sectors for the mutual benefit of both countries.
For nine successive years since 2015, Japan has been Malaysia’s fourth-largest trading partner globally. In 2023, trade with Japan was valued at RM156.64 billion (USD34.39 billion), contributing 5.9% per cent of Malaysia’s total trade. As of June 2023, a total of 2,778 projects by Japanese companies have been implemented in Malaysia, with investments amounting to RM91.89 billion (USD27.43 billion), providing jobs to 337,758 people.
PUTRAJAYA
17 February 2024