Maputo — A delegation of visiting Japanese businessmen has expressed interest in forming partnerships with Mozambican companies in agriculture and forestry, according to Henk Son, the Deputy Chairperson of the Confederation of Mozambican Business Associations (CTA).

He was speaking to reporters on Wednesday, at the end of the delegation's second day of talks in Maputo. Son added that the Japanese businesses are also interested in forming partnerships in the area of energy.

The delegation, which is accompanied by the Japanese Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Yoshikawa Takamori, was received by Prime Minister Luisa Diogo on Tuesday. At this meeting Takamori repeated the Japanese government's pledge to double its aid to Africa in the coming years.

After the discussions with Diogo, Takamori revealed that Japan is interested in financing the rehabilitation of the Nacala Development Corridor - the railway that runs from the port of Nacala across Nampula and Niassa provinces to landlocked Malawi.

The Japanese government has studied the rehabilitation project, and is now analyzing its findings in detail. Takamori expected a formal announcement to be made in the near future on Japan's financial commitment to the corridor.

Takamori added that Japan is also interested in investing in Mozambique's mineral resources.

On Thursday the delegation is expected to meet with Energy Minister Salvador Namburete.