CM Dhami calls for cooperation in capacity development
Senior Japanese diplomatic and trade officials see the potential of cooperation between Uttarakhand and Japan in manufacturing industry, one of the country’s strengths.
They spoke at the ‘7th Dialogue with States: Japan’s Connect with Uttarakhand’, organised by FICCI Forum of Parliamentarians on 17 Nov 2022.
Kunihiko Kawazu, Charge d’affaires ad Interim, Embassy of Japan in India, felt the need to develop more cooperation between Uttarakhand and Japan in agri- and food processing sector.
He has also highlighted that 2022 marks the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Japan where both sides have a Special Strategic and Global Partnership for economic cooperation.
Speaking at the Trade and Investment session, Takashi Suzuki, Chief Director General of the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) New Delhi, called Uttarakhand to focus on logistics and R&D to attract Japanese investments in the State.
Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA – India) Chief Representative Mitsunori Saito highlighted JICA’s interest to promote socio-economic and cultural cooperation between Japan and Uttarakhand.
India is the largest partner of JICA and he has listed the various JICA projects in the State in forest resource management, capacity development, agriculture and food-processing and horticulture.
Further, Toshihiko Kurihara, Chief Representative of Japan Bank for International Cooperation’s (JBIC), Representative Office in New Delhi, spoke about the need for microfinance in various sectors for promotion of sectoral opportunities between Japan and Uttarakhand.
He also suggested on having sister city agreement between Japan and Uttarakhand to enhance socio-cultural and economic cooperation.
Noriko Tsuchiya, CEO, Hakkko & Hospitality Pvt Ltd, spoke about organic farming in Uttarakhand with the need to improve logistics and infrastructure in the transportation and storage of vegetables.
Pushkar Singh Dhami, Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, met the Japanese officials at the dialogue.
He has called for technical cooperation for disaster management and capacity development between Japan and Uttarakhand to ensure sustainable development and growth in the State.
Representing the State Government at the Dialogue, Rohit Meena, Director General – Industries and Managing Director – SIDCUL, Uttarakhand, spoke about the Japanese SME’s and Exporters willingness to enhance trade in Uttarakhand.
Meena further mentioned that the state government and industry should sign an MoU for making Uttarakhand a Japanese manufacturing hub.
He also emphasized on cooperation in technology transfer in automobiles, machinery, chemicals and processed foods.
Dr BVRC Purushottam, Secretary-Agriculture, Uttarakhand, shared information on the mega food parks and food processing clusters which are there in the state. He elucidated the importance of food processing value chains.
The Dialogue was also graced by Members of Parliament and Members of Legislative Assembly from Uttarakhand.
Lok Sabha MP Ajay Tamta talked about forest fires damaging timber, one of the important livelihood sources for the rural population, and sought support from Japan to help with disaster management.
Roorkee MLA Bharat Singh Chaudhary spoke about PPP model in promoting education and skill development between Uttarakhand and Japan.
Bhagwanpur MLA Mamata Rakesh noted the importance of promoting horticulture and ayurveda along with cooperation in establishing wellness centres.
Dr Pankaj Pandey, Secretary-Industries, Uttarakhand, shared the vision of the government in creating adequate infrastructure, enabling a friendly ecosystem and promoting trade across emerging sectors.
He emphasized on AYUSH, Ayurveda & Yoga along with manufacturing for strengthening bilateral trade and investment.
Rajiv Pratap Rudy, Chair, FICCI Forum of Parliamentarians and MP, noted that Uttarakhand with good governance and sectoral strengths, is committed towards creating a progressive business environment.
Dr Jyotsna Suri, Co- Chair, FICCI Forum of Parliamentarians and Past President FICCI, pointed out that the Forum as FICCI’s track II initiative has been engaging with the Indian States for enhancing economic, political and cultural connect with Japan.
The Dialogue with States initiative of FICCI Forum of Parliamentarians is an effort to enhance bilateral relations between India and its partner countries through deeper engagement in an Indian State for socio-economic, strategic and political spheres. fiinews.com
