GUWAHATI, Jan 22: Assam Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma met business leaders and industry magnates of Japan today as he projected Assam as an ideal destination for Japanese investors.
Chief Minister Dr Sarma, who arrived in Tokyo from Seoul for the second leg of his two-nation visit, attended the Advantage Assam roadshow in Tokyo and addressed over 160 Japanese business leaders.
Chief Minister Sarma said Assam’s economy, since 2014, is on the verge of tripling next year, representing a phenomenal sustained growth rate of 12.4%, as he asked industry captains and business leaders to explore opportunities, which he said were very conducive, of investing in Assam.
“A great beginning to the #AdvantageAssam2 Japan Road Show! I spoke to over 160 Japanese business leaders on Assam’s economic miracle and ease-of-doing business,” he wrote on ‘X’, and added: “Since 2014, Assam’s economy is set to triple next year, representing a phenomenal sustained growth rate of 12.4%. Our single window mechanism and USD $3.2 billion production linked incentives makes our State a shining beacon for investment opportunities. We look forward to Assam playing a catalysing effect on the strong economic bond between India and Japan.”
He also met Kora Yuichiro San, Government of Japan’s Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, and conveyed to him Assam’s readiness to establish a business park dedicated to Japanese firms besides also requesting “the Government of Japan to consider setting up testing centres for Technical Intern Training and Specified Skill Workers programs, so that our youth have better access to short-term work opportunities in Japan.”
Chief Minister Sarma also held discussions with Kazuya Nakajo, Executive Vice President of Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO), besides also holding “a very fruitful meeting” with Hirohide Hirai, Vice President of Hitachi.
He also met meet Charles Kawashima, Vice President of Renesas Global, Japan’s leading semiconductor manufacturer, and asked him to become a partner of Assam’s ambitious Tata semiconductor plant at Jagiroad.
He also held discussions with Eiji Hosoi, the President & CEO of Tokyo Engineering Corporation, besides also holding “good discussion” with Kazuo Ofuchi San, the Managing Executive Officer of Konoike group.
Earlier in the morning, Chief Minister Sarma paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi by offering tributes at his bust at Edoraga Ward in the Japanese capital.
He also met members of the Assamese diaspora in Tokyo who welcomed him “with warm hearts and some delicious pithas”.
