Tokyo [Japan], February 27 (HBTV): Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is on his first official visit to Japan with the aim of expanding industrial relations and promoting human resource exchange.
During the visit, members of the Japan-India Governors' Network for Friendship and Exchange, led by Yamanashi Governor Kotaro Nagasaki, welcomed the delegation along with representatives of seven private companies. The Japanese side introduced their contributions and outlined potential areas of cooperation with Uttar Pradesh.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister highlighted Uttar Pradesh’s demographic and economic strengths, emphasising its large youth population and expanding infrastructure.
‘Uttar Pradesh has a population of 250 million, of which nearly 50 per cent are young and part of the workforce. This presents immense investment potential. The state has developed extensive infrastructure, including highways, railways, metro operations and multiple airports, including the upcoming Noida International Airport. The rapid rail transit between Meerut and Delhi now takes only 50 minutes, compared to three hours earlier,’ he said.
He stressed the advantages of logistics and transportation for industrial growth and investment.
On agriculture, he noted, ‘Around 11 per cent of India’s agricultural land is in Uttar Pradesh, producing nearly 21 per cent of the country’s food grains. The state serves as India’s food basket, and vast land is available for the development of large industrial parks.’
The Chief Minister also highlighted opportunities in waste management, cosmetics, pharmaceutical parks, dairy farming and hydrogen energy. He pointed out that the state has over 20,000 startups, including 10,000 led by women entrepreneurs.
Welcoming the visit, Yamanashi Governor Kotaro Nagasaki described the engagement as an important step in strengthening ties. He expressed interest in deepening cooperation and fostering new initiatives between Uttar Pradesh and Japanese prefectures.
Representatives of Japanese companies also presented their areas of interest and requirements.
Kanadevia Corp highlighted its expertise in electricity generation through waste incineration, biogas, water treatment and hydrogen supply chains.
KOSE Corp, a cosmetics brand operating in India since 2013 with its skincare brand ‘Spawake’, discussed opportunities in India’s growing personal care market.
KYOWA Leather Cloth Co, a manufacturer of artificial leather for mobility, outlined plans to expand production near Noida, citing growth in India’s automobile sector.
SHIMIZU Corp, which established its Indian subsidiary in 2011, expressed interest in expanding construction and infrastructure projects in northern India.
Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group (FGG) indicated its plans to expand financial services to support Japanese companies operating in India.
Suntory Holdings (HD), engaged in the spirits business and marketing the Indian brand ‘Oaksmith’, sought simplification of registration procedures for new brands.
Tomoe Shokai Co, which deals in industrial gases including hydrogen, highlighted opportunities in energy transition and semiconductor supply chains.
Indian consultant Neerendra Upadhyaya noted that since the signing of an MoU in December 2024, Uttar Pradesh and Yamanashi Prefecture have made significant progress in strengthening bilateral ties.
‘Since the December 2024 MoU, both sides have worked extensively to elevate the relationship. Cooperation among nine prefectural governors provides a strong gateway and a clear roadmap for mutual benefit,’ he said.
The visit is being viewed as a step towards strengthening long-term economic and strategic cooperation between Uttar Pradesh and Japan.
(ANI)