Leaders share their insights with Synergy Media Specialists on the strengthening of relations between India and Japan:
“Under Special Strategic and Global Partnership, anchored on the shared values including democracy, freedom and the rule of law, Japan and India are cooperating on many fronts.”
“Japan and India are global partners, sharing a vision for a peaceful, stable and prosperous region, as exemplified by a free and open Indo-Pacific,” said Kenji Hiramatsu, Ambassador of Japan to India.
“Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is the largest bilateral partner agency financing development projects in India. JICA has played a pivotal role in adding to India’s growth story by financing major infrastructure projects such as the metro rails in Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Chennai, Bangalore and Kolkata.
“We would like to focus on supporting projects that will improve the ease of doing business in India to encourage and facilitate more investments. We would also like to improve health and education services available in the country and make them accessible and affordable.”
“In 1958, India became the first recipient country of Japanese Official Development Assistance. We have financed 291 ODA projects in India since 1958 and in the last fiscal year 2018 we have committed approximately 500 billion yen for ongoing and future ODA projects all across the country,” said Katsuo Matsumoto, Chief Representative, Japan International Cooperation Agency India.
“The Japan-India relationship has also been quite vibrant through personal exchanges. The number of Indian visitors in Japan has increased from 70,000 in 2012 to 100,000 in 2015, then 150,000 in 2018. The distance between Japan and India is certainly becoming closer as the direct flight plan between Chennai/Bangalore and Tokyo is on the way, one within this November and the other in Next January.”
“Based on our efforts to work hard together to deepen the trust between Japan and India, we would like to continuously endeavor and try our best for the bright future and success for all Japanese companies in India with the unified endeavor of all member of JCCII continuously,’’ said Yoji Taguchi, President of the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry in India.
“There has been a 20 percent increase of Japanese language learners from all over India every year since I arrived three years ago. Surveys show an increase of 24,000 learners in 2015 to almost 37,000 in 2018.”
“Japanese and Indians may seem quite different on the surface. But I believe that if we get to know and understand each other better and in a deeper sense, we find that we have many things in common. This mutual understanding is important to tighten our relations,” said Kaoru Miyamoto, Director General of the Japan Foundation, New Delhi.
“Our goal at IJBC is to give attention to all aspects of bilateral exchanges between India and Japan. We focus highly on experiences and mindsets which give the background to the understanding of both cultures and achieving prosperous long-lasting relationships. We are working closely with many Japanese companies already and are encouraging them more to Invest in India by inviting them to our own B2B/B2C platform called Konnichi wa Pune.” — Shrikant Atre, President, India-Japan Business Council (IJBC).
“Our second Konichiwa wa Pune organized event is set to take place this year on November 11th to 13th. This event is aimed to bring together enthusiastic and like-minded people from India and Japan to collaborate on cultural and business activities. IJBC encourages all forms of bilateral learning as they are all equally important. The Japanese government has shown strong support for this project and we will continue using this platform to promote the numerous opportunities between India and Japan.” — Siddharth Deshmukh, Founder and Vice President, India-Japan Business Council (IJBC).
“India has been growing rapidly and today it presents an opportunity like never before. Hitachi has been aligning itself with the growth drivers and synergizing its solutions with the Government of India to support both the physical and digital transformation of the country.”
“We must continue to empower the citizens while aligning with India’s growth drivers from digitalization all the way through to transformation. Until the complexity of India exists, and it continues to transform, there will be numerous business opportunities to pursue,” said Bharat Kaushal, Managing Director of Hitachi India.
“We are proud to be working with Uniqlo. They work closely with us to improve our manufacturing capabilities and ensure that we deliver the quality they require. They want us to grow with them and we see a huge potential for our partnership to grow.”
“Apart from having a sustainable business, we want to continue providing opportunities and a good working environment for Indian women. Shahi Exports is India’s largest apparel manufacturer, with over 100,000 employees, 70 percent of whom are women,” said Harish Ahuja, Managing Director of Shahi Exports Private Limited.
“Our vision for contributing to India is through the ‘Make in India, sell in India, skill in India and women’s empowerment’ movement. Providing ‘better products to more people’ has been Kai’s motto since its founding in 1908 and will continue to guide us into the future,” said Rajesh U. Pandya Managing Director of KAI Manufacturing India Pvt. Ltd.
“India is host to a number of ideal accommodation possibilities, Sofitel Mumbai BKC being a prime destination. Located in Bandra Kurla Complex it is distinguished by a unique four- dimensional experience: embracing and honoring local Art and Culture; showcasing the finest in authentic and lively cuisines; a dedication to indulgent wellness and a never-ending appreciation for contemporary chic Design. It is where buoyant business meets an elegant lifestyle for a rejuvenating experience,” said Vikas Kapai, General Manager of Sofitel BKC.
“India and Japan share a very strong bond on several fronts including Economic, Social, Cultural as well as Political. On the business front, Suzuki group is happy to successfully lead this relationship between the two countries for the past 36 years. Maruti Suzuki and Suzuki Motor Corporation are committed to aligning with the Indian Government for the sound growth of the automobile industry in India. We are committed to further strengthening the bilateral ties between India and Japan,” said Kenichi Ayukawa, Managing Director and CEO of Maruti Suzuki.
