81pc of Japanese firms in India eye further investment as bilateral business ties strengthen
Vadodara, June 29
Around 81 per cent of Japanese companies operating in India are keen to make a second or third investment in the country, according to data shared at a Japan Country Seminar held in Vadodara as part of the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference on Monday.
The seminar brought together representatives from the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), the Consulate General of Japan, and senior delegates from Japanese companies operating in India to review bilateral economic engagement and business outcomes.
Director General of JETRO Ahmedabad, Yu Yoshida, briefed participants on India-Japan diplomatic relations and JETRO's role in facilitating trade and investment cooperation.
He highlighted ongoing efforts to support Japanese businesses in expanding their operations in India.
Consul General of Japan in Mumbai, Hitomi Sato, said: "India and Japan share a long-standing and trusted partnership. Japan has been a partner country of Vibrant Gujarat since 2009. The partnership has supported growth in investment, technology cooperation and people-to-people exchanges."
She also highlighted Vadodara's industrial significance, particularly in chemicals and petrochemicals, describing it as an "important location" for Japanese industry.
Referring to recent investment activity, she cited the inauguration of a Hitachi Energy power factory at Karjan in Vadodara with an investment of Rs 2,000 crore.
"Regular high-level engagement continues between the two countries and the Prime Minister of Japan is scheduled to visit India in the next two days," she added.
Speaking at the seminar, Assistant Director of JETRO New Delhi, Sandeep Kumar, said: "1,434 Japanese companies are currently operating in India. Around 81 per cent of these companies are keen to make a second or third investment, reflecting positive business experience in the country. Japanese companies are witnessing sustained growth driven by rising domestic demand in India."
The seminar was also attended by Toshiaki Sato, Vikas Gupta, Hardik Panchal, Kazuya Okada, Amit Chaudhary, Kazuhisa Inoue and Honorary Consul of Japan in India Mukesh Patel. The session was moderated by Director of JETRO Ahmedabad Sanchit Ozha.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Japan and India have a solid relationship built on trust and mutual respect. The 81% figure is a strong vote of confidence in India's business environment under the current policies. Let's hope the red tape is cut further to attract more such investments.
The Hitachi Energy factory in Karjan with Rs 2,000 crore investment is a big deal for Gujarat. But we need to ensure local suppliers and MSMEs also benefit from this ecosystem. Otherwise it's just a foreign enclave. 👍
Wonderful to see Japan's continued faith in India. The "Make in India" push coupled with Japanese precision and technology could be a game changer. Just hope the implementation on ground matches the ambitions shown in these seminars.
More investment means more jobs for our youth. But I also want to see Japanese companies focusing on skill development and R&D in India. Not just assembly lines but real innovation hubs. That would be true partnership!
Japan has always been a reliable partner for India - from the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train to now the Hitachi plant. The fact that 81% want to expand shows our policies are working. But we must address issues like land acquisition and power costs to keep this momentum. 🇮🇳
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