A consortium of Japanese business companies has expressed interest in the development of the three Northern Regions under the Government's Savanna Accelerated Development Authority (SADA) programme, as well as other less developed Regions. The Japanese interests are in job creation, technology transfer, commercial businesses, infrastructure development and cultural exchanges. Mr Fumi Hoshi, Executive Director of Japan Bank for International Development, leading a business and investment delegation on a three-day investment tour of Ghana, announced the interest during a courtesy call on President John Evans Atta Mills, at the Osu Castle in Accra on Wednesday. Included in the delegation were representatives of Toyo Engineering, Itochu Corporation, Sumitond Corporation, Marubeni Corporation and some staff from the Japanese Embassy in Accra. Mr Hoshi who had been in Ghana several times, said Japan was ready to increase her co-operation with Ghana, and deepen their relationship. President Mills said assistance from development partners would enable Government achieve the promised Better Ghana Agenda in an even shorter time. He commended Japanese assistance to Ghana's economic and social development and urged the investor community to make Ghana a preferred investment destination for good returns and mutual benefits. "With you on our side, we can even achieve our Better Ghana Agenda in an even shorter time," President Mills said, and expressed appreciation for Japanese assistance to Ghana over the years. President Mills said Japan was one of Ghana's biggest benefactors and expressed the nation's delight at the delegation's visit. He reiterated that Government was committed to job creation, infrastructure development and a stronger economy, which fell within the areas of interest to the Japanese delegation. President Mills assured the delegation that Government was ready to "sit down" with them to discuss their areas of interest and in addition, provide a safe enabling environment for business to thrive.Source: GNA