Minister Brantley engages with Osaka Prefecture Government Officials

(6 November, 2018) Minister Brantley and his delegation today concluded the invitation program to Japan with high level meetings with officials of the Osaka Prefecture Government. During the discussion, the Japanese officials referred to the Tourism Expo familiarization trip which was recently held in September and brought together government officials from across the Caribbean with the aim of expanding Caribbean Tourism in Japan. The Osaka officials also expressed a willingness to expand the people to people engagements and to work together to strengthen tourism between Saint Kitts and Nevis Japan and also the wider Caribbean.

Minister Brantley highlighted the long-standing friendship between the two countries and of Saint Kitts and Nevis’ support to Japan on issues of common interest and welcomed the opportunity for further engagement beyond the existing government relations. The Honorable Minister also reiterated the importance of collaborating closely on specific issues ranging from immigration to education.

Following the meeting with government officials, the delegation met with the Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry and other members of the private sector to continue the dialogue on future investment opportunities in Saint Kitts and Nevis.  Chairman of the Chamber, Mr. Hiroshi Ozaki explained that in an effort to encourage private sector partnerships between the two countries, Japanese investors would wish to explore investment opportunities in the Federation.

Minister Brantley welcomed the proposals and expressed the view that Saint Kitts and Nevis is keen on expanding its tourism sector by moving beyond the traditional pool of visitors and investors and invited the Chairman and his team of investors to visit the Federation in the near future.