Odisha and Japan's Tottori sign pact to boost investment and skills
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Governor Shinji Hirai signed the agreement in Bhubaneswar to foster industrial and cultural ties.
The Odisha government signed a friendship agreement with Japan's Tottori Prefecture on Wednesday to enhance cooperation in industry, tourism, and economic development. The pact was signed in Bhubaneswar by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Tottori Governor Shinji Hirai in the presence of an 80-member Japanese delegation.
According to Business Standard, the agreement aims to move the India-Japan partnership beyond government levels to direct collaboration between businesses, educational institutions, and citizens. The visiting delegation includes representatives from banking, technical institutions, trade, and various industries.
Chief Minister Majhi described the pact as a milestone for sub-national relations. He noted that companies such as Nippon Steel, JFE Steel, and IHI Corporation have already established a presence in the state, bringing technology and capital to the local industrial ecosystem.
The event also included two memorandums of understanding (MoUs). One between Startup Odisha and Tottori Prefecture will facilitate mentoring and investor connections, while another involving the World Skill Center (WSC) and Nihon Edutech focuses on human resource development and overseas employment.
Industries Minister Sampad Chandra Swain stated that the WSC partnership aims to provide vocational training in manufacturing and nursing care to create global jobs. MSME Minister Gokulananda Mallik added that the collaboration could help local enterprises access new markets and technology through joint product development.
The Japanese delegation is on a three-day visit to the state to explore opportunities in sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, and urban infrastructure.