In a massive stride towards enhancing collaboration between Assam and Japan, A 45-member Japanese delegation, led by House of Representatives Speaker, Nukaga Fukushiro visited the State for three-days last month.
Deputy Speaker of Assam Legislative Assembly, Dr. Numal Momin, welcomed the delegation and termed it as a milestone for international cooperation and regional development.
In the evening of the first day, Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma welcomed the distinguished delegation at Lok Sewa Bhawan and spoke at length on laying a strong foundation to enable Japanese institutions to partner with Assam, innovate and grow. A special programme reflecting the spirit of cultural exchange was also organised on the same evening.
On the second day, the delegation visited IIT-Guwahati where Fukushiro said, “Both Japan and India are established on similar democratic principles, and both nations can work together for development. India is rich in information technology and human resources. Japan requires such human resources. So, we are ready to extend a helping hand to people who want to establish themselves in Japan. Moreover, joint development initiatives are also likely to be taken up in infrastructure, education, economy and political fields.”
Post IIT-G, the team went to the site of the Japan-assisted Skill Training Centre at ATDC, a collaboration with Japan-based ASEAN-One Co in Amingaon.
The delegation also visited the upcoming Tata Semiconductor ATMP (Assembly, Testing, Marking, and Packaging) facility in Jagiroad. The Assam Chief Minister also accompanied the delegation during the visit.
Addressing a gathering during the visit, Fukushiro underscored the importance of collaborative efforts in emerging technologies, human resource development and pursuit of sustainable development and called for deeper cooperation through research, education, cultural exchange and innovation-driven partnerships.
The Chief Minister, meanwhile, speaking about the delegation’s visit said, “Assam is seeking to attract investments from Japan through its recent engagements. The frequent visits by the top Japanese delegations over the last few months is a positive sign for the State, which is already implementing several developmental projects with help from that country.”
The Chief Minister informed the gathering that the Japanese Ambassador to India visited the State twice; an industry delegation attended the Advantage Assam business summit and a team of intellectuals were also here for a meeting, “In the meantime, Japan has withdrawn its travel advisory against Assam. I have been told by their embassy officials that delegations coming here over a short period is a positive sign.”
Dr. Sarma told the gathering that if Assam continues to engage with Japan, the State will receive more assistance and industry from them in the future, “Several key projects are already underway with Japanese help. This time, we are looking for investment and hopefully the ice will melt soon.”
The Chief Minister met the Japanese delegation again during the day and held discussion focusing on Assam’s investment prospects, potential collaborations and setting up a Japanese language training centre to enhance youth employability. With a skilled workforce and strategic advantage, “Assam is poised to become a hub for global partnerships in manufacturing, services and infrastructure.”
