Odisha and Japan's Tottori Prefecture sign agreement to boost investment
The partnership aims to strengthen cooperation in entrepreneurship, skill development, tourism, and overseas employment for the youth of Odisha.
Odisha and Japan's Tottori Prefecture signed a Friendship Agreement in Bhubaneswar on Wednesday to strengthen cooperation in investment, entrepreneurship, skill development, and cultural exchanges, according to The Tribune. The agreement was signed in the presence of Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Tottori Prefecture Governor Shinji Hirai.
The partnership includes two memoranda of understanding (MoUs) focused on startup collaboration and human resource development. One MoU between Startup Odisha and Tottori Prefecture aims to facilitate business matching and help Odisha's MSMEs and startups explore Japanese markets. A second MoU involving the World Skill Center, Tottori Prefecture, and Nihon Edutec focuses on skill development and overseas employment for the state's youth.
Chief Minister Majhi said the agreement marks a new era of friendship and provides an opportunity to give the India-Japan relationship a strong regional dimension. He invited Japanese business leaders to explore Odisha's industrial clusters and skilled workforce. Majhi noted that Japanese companies such as Nippon Steel, JFE Steel, Krosaki, TYK, Yokohama, IHI, and Toray have existing investments in the state.
Governor Shinji Hirai expressed commitment to building a lasting partnership through economic cooperation and cultural exchanges. He stated that collaborations could expand into fields including technology, health care, academics, and tourism. An 80-member Japanese delegation is currently on a three-day visit to the state.