With the presence of more than 270 Japanese companies in the State, Japan has expressed keenness to have direct flights between Bangalore and Tokyo.
Speaking after signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on trade and investment with the State here on Tuesday, Eikei Suzuki, governor of Mie Prefecture, a province in Japan, said, “We are looking forward to having direct air connectivity to foster a strong tie.”
Chief Secretary Kaushik Mukherjee and Mr. Suzuki signed the MoU in the presence of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Principal Secretary of Industries and Commerce Department Rathna Prabha.
Mr. Siddaramaiah said that two Japanese companies, Mitsubishi Electric and Mitsubishi Elevators, are setting up their base in the State. The State government will hold talks with the Ministry of Civil Aviation to establish direct flights, he said.
The State houses around 270 Japanese companies, including Toyota, Amada, Casio, Denso, Dentsu, and Indo-Nissan.
The Chief Minister sought more Japanese investments in various sectors. His statement assumes significance as the State is poised to hold the Global Investors’ Meet next year.
Honda’s largest two-wheeler manufacturing plant in the world has come up in Narasapur in Kolar. “We are looking at the possibility of having a Japanese township in Vasantha Narasapura of Tumkur district,” Mr. Siddaramaiah said.
The MoU will strengthen ties in information and communication technology, automotive, automation, electronics, aerospace, skill development, renewable energy, medical equipment, pharmaceutical industries, waste management and service and technology.
Visit to Japan
Mr. Mukherjee and Commerce and Industries Commissioner Maheshwara Rao will visit Japan for six days from September 14 to hold meetings with Chief Executive Officers of various companies and the Japanese government to attract investments to the State.
Mr. Siddaramaiah said the Japanese government was partnering with the State government to develop major projects such as Chennai–Bangalore Industrial Corridor, Bangalore Metro Rail, Bangalore Peripheral Ring Road and feasibility study for world-class Japanese Industrial Zone in the State.
Describing Karnataka as “one State with many opportunities,” Mr. Siddaramaiah said “the MoU will lay foundation for a lasting partnership between us.”
(The Hindu)
