An 18-member delegation from Japan's Shizuoka Prefecture met chief minister Bhupendra Patel in Gandhinagar on Wednesday to explore partnership opportunities in education, research, tourism and culture, according to a statement from the state govt.
The delegation was led by Atsuyuki Rachi, a member of the Shizuoka Assembly and secretary general of the India-Japan Friendship Parliamentary League.
During the meeting, Rachi stressed the importance of not only strengthening commercial ties but also building long-term partnerships in various sectors.
Rachi told the chief minister Bhupendra Patel that Shizuoka ranks fourth in Japan in terms of industrial production and expressed eagerness to collaborate with Gujarat.
CM Patel said that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, India-Japan relations have strengthened over the years and expressed confidence in furthering these ties. He assured the delegation of his govt's commitment to providing a favorable environment for Japanese industries in Gujarat, underlining a proactive approach to ensure smooth operations.
The CM also appreciated Japan's significant role as a partner country in the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit held in Jan.
Rachi extended an invitation to Patel to visit Japan and Shizuoka, noting that the Governor of Shizuoka is also keen to visit India and Gujarat in the near future.
