What is the significance of the Japanese delegation's visit to Assam?

Guwahati, May 3 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma, officially welcomed a distinguished Japanese delegation headed by Nukaga Fukushiro, the Speaker of the House of Representatives of Japan, on Saturday.

This esteemed 45-member delegation has arrived in Guwahati for a three-day visit to Assam.

Chief Minister Sarma described this visit as a significant milestone in strengthening the relationship between Assam and Japan.

While greeting the Speaker and his delegation at his office in Lok Sewa Bhawan, Chief Minister Sarma remarked, "It is my great honor to welcome the Speaker and his team to our beautiful state of Assam. This visit is a clear indication of the growing ties between Assam and Japan. It will also inspire Japanese businesses to consider Assam and other Northeastern states for greater collaboration."

The Chief Minister emphasized that this visit would inject new momentum into Assam's strategic partnership with Japan, particularly in light of the Advantage Assam 2.0 investment summit held in Guwahati in February.

He updated Nukaga Fukushiro on Assam's thriving business ecosystem.

Highlighting his trip to Japan earlier this year, prior to the Investment and Infrastructure Summit, CM Sarma expressed Assam's readiness to establish a Japanese Language and Testing Centre at the ASEAN One Technical Centre located in Amingaon, Kamrup district.

Expressing gratitude for the Speaker's visit to Assam, the Chief Minister stated, "This is more than just a visit; it symbolizes a connection between our people and future cooperation."

CM Sarma also mentioned that Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed his confidence that the Japanese delegation's visit would benefit Assam and other Northeastern states through enhanced bilateral relations between India and Japan.

Earlier, Assam Chief Secretary Ravi Kota presented an in-depth overview of Assam's flourishing business environment and potential collaboration areas.

He showcased Assam's strategic location, which offers access to 35% of the world’s population.

The Chief Secretary also pointed out a wide range of opportunities, including industries, tourism, skill development, employment, mining and minerals, environmental sustainability, education, the Act East Policy, innovation, incubation, startups, and health and family welfare.

Present at the event were State Sports and Youth Welfare Minister Nandita Gorlosa, Chief Secretary Ravi Kota, Ambassador of Japan to India Keiichi ONO, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister K.K. Dwivedi, senior officials, and many dignitaries.

Earlier on Saturday, the delegation was greeted at the Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport by Assembly Speaker Biswajit Daimary, Minister Nandita Gorlosa, and senior officials.

The Japanese delegation plans to meet with the Chief Minister and engage with elected representatives at the Assembly, according to an official statement.

On Sunday, they are scheduled to visit the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Guwahati, and the Tata Semiconductor and Testing Facility in Jagiroad. They will also inspect projects funded by Japanese financial aid before departing on Monday.