A high-profile Japanese delegation, led by Nukaga Fukushiro, Speaker of the House of Representatives, arrived in Guwahati on the evening of May 3 for a three-day visit to Assam. The visit aims to strengthen bilateral ties and promote collaboration between Japanese firms and the local economy.
At a warm welcome, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed his enthusiasm, stating that this visit could spark increased interest from Japanese companies in Assam and the wider Northeast region. Sarma underscored the significance of this delegation in deepening the strategic partnership between Assam and Japan, especially in light of his government’s Advantage Assam 2.0 initiative, which seeks to enhance the business ecosystem in the state.
Upon their arrival, the delegation was greeted at the airport by Assembly Speaker Biswajit Daimary, along with Sports and Youth Welfare Minister Nandita Gorlosa and senior officials from the state administration. The Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) shared on social media, “H.E. Nukaga Fukushiro, Hon’ble Speaker of the House of Representatives of Japan, arrived in Assam today leading a high-level delegation for a three-day visit.”
During their meeting at the Chief Minister’s office, Sarma highlighted his recent trip to Japan where he discussed employment opportunities for Assam’s youth. He proposed the initiation of a Japanese Language and Testing Centre at the ASEAN One Technical Centre in Amingaon, aimed at preparing local youth for job prospects in Japan.
Chief Secretary Ravi Kota accompanied the discussions with a detailed presentation showcasing Assam’s business landscape. He emphasized the plethora of opportunities spanning various sectors such as tourism, health, and skill development, underlining the potential for fruitful collaborations.
The Japanese delegation was treated to a cultural programme in their honor, which was also attended by Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya. The 45-member team is set to visit key sites including the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Guwahati, and the Tata Semiconductor and Testing Facility at Jagiroad.
Before concluding their visit on Monday, the delegation plans to inspect several ongoing projects funded by Japanese aid, highlighting the practical implications of their diplomatic engagement.
Chief Minister Sarma’s previous visit to Japan in January laid the groundwork for this delegation, reinforcing his commitment to fostering robust ties between Assam and Japan. As mutual interests align, this visit signifies a pivotal opportunity for not just economic growth but also cultural exchange, ultimately aiming to benefit both nations.
This ongoing dialogue reflects Assam’s proactive approach in attracting foreign investment, underscoring a vision of collaborative progress and mutual growth that resonates throughout the region.
