Windhoek — Namibia is very attractive for Japanese companies to set up base, and the two countries are pushing to have a formal trade cooperation policy in place, a senior Japanese government official said.

Japanese business personalities visited Namibia last week, together with the Japanese Deputy Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, Chiaki Takahashi. They held discussions with the private sector, the Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry, as well as with senior government officials, including Deputy Minister of Finance Calle Schlettwein.

The business mission included heads of well-known Japanese multinational corporations such as Mitsubishi, Komatzu, Hitachi, and Itochu Corporation.

Itochu Corporation has interests in various uranium exploration licences in Namibia.

Takahashi says Japanese companies, such as Itochu, are "looking to expand their presence in Namibia" and look forward to "transfer technical knowledge" on various disciplines to Namibians.

The rich mineral resources, coupled with good governance and stable economic growth are some of the features that attract Japanese companies to Namibia, said Takahashi, adding that Japan wants to have a formal trade cooperation policy instead of the current general cooperation agreement.

Schlettwein said it is time the two countries solidify their relationship even though they have had a good relationship for a number of years.

"We must move a step further," said Schlettwein.

Namibia is currently the main supplier of Alfonsino fish to Japan, together with Australia. Namibia further supplies Japan with other seafood, including rock lobster, and deep-sea crab.