- Japan aims to deepen economic ties with Gujarat
- Focus on semiconductor growth in Dholera SIR, with Japan offering expertise and Gujarat ensuring world-class infrastructure.
- Japan shows interest in EV manufacturing and urges faster progress on the Ahmedabad-Mumbai bullet train project.
Recently, Keiichi Ono, Japan’s Ambassador to India, and Koyoko Hokugo, Minister of Economic and Development Affairs, met Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel in Gandhinagar to explore areas of expansion in bilateral cooperation.
During the meeting, Ambassador Ono congratulated the Gujarat government on assisting 350 Japanese companies in Gujarat and indicated Japan's intent to improve economic ties.
"The CM told the delegation that Gujarat offers a supportive environment with Japanese townships, restaurants, and industries. He also highlighted Japan's active participation in the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit", stated the Government release.
CM Patel informed Mr Ono, that all MoUs executed from the Indo-Japan summit in Gandhinagar in 2017 involving Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan, were all completed.
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Ono emphasized the strategic importance of the Dholera Special Investment Region (SIR) to semiconductor production and Japan's commitment to supporting Gujarat in that space.
It noted, "He said many Japanese semiconductor companies are eager to invest in Dholera. In this regard, the delegation requested the Chief Minister to further strengthen the facilities for industrial infrastructure, social infrastructure, and human resource development".
CM Patel confirmed that Gujarat is committed to the creation of semiconductor production, while delivering world-class infrastructure, as adequate and on time.
"The Ambassador of Japan also shared details about a survey being conducted by Japan's Mizuho Bank in Dholera and Japan's semiconductor parks to explore how the best possible ecosystem for the semiconductor sector can be developed. On this, the Chief Minister said the survey will prove useful in building a bright future for semiconductor industries and establishing Gujarat as a semiconductor hub", mentioned in the release.
The delegation from Japan had an interest in electric vehicle production and pushed for a more rapid advancement on the Ahmedabad-Mumbai High-Speed Rail Corridor.