Gandhinagar — In a significant boost to India-Japan economic collaboration, Japan’s Ambassador to India, Mr. Keiichi Ono, along with Japan’s Minister of Economic and Development Affairs Ms. Koyoko Hokugo, paid a courtesy visit to Gujarat Chief Minister Mr. Bhupendra Patel. The visit underscored Japan’s growing interest in Gujarat’s semiconductor sector, particularly in the Dholera Special Investment Region (SIR).
Ambassador Ono praised Gujarat as a preferred investment destination, calling it “a second home to Japan.” He lauded the support extended by the state government to over 350 Japanese companies currently operating in Gujarat.
Focus on Dholera SIR: A New Semiconductor Hub in the Making
During his three-day tour of Gujarat, which included visits to Dholera SIR and interactions with 150 leading industrialists in Ahmedabad, Mr. Ono emphasized the strategic importance of Dholera in Japan’s vision for semiconductor collaboration. He noted that several Japanese semiconductor companies are actively exploring investment opportunities in the region.
To facilitate this growth, he urged the Gujarat Government to strengthen industrial and social infrastructure, as well as human resource development frameworks in Dholera.
CM Reaffirms Commitment to High-Tech Infrastructure
In response, Chief Minister Mr. Bhupendra Patel reiterated his government’s commitment to providing world-class infrastructure with a specific emphasis on the semiconductor sector. He assured the delegation that all support required for accelerated development would be extended within defined timelines.
“Gujarat is like a second home for Japan, with its Japanese townships, restaurants, and a thriving industrial base. The state remains committed to nurturing this unique partnership,” the Chief Minister stated.
He also highlighted Japan’s consistent participation in the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit, and proudly noted the successful implementation of all MoUs signed during the 2017 Indo-Japan Annual Summit in Gandhinagar, which was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and then Japanese PM Shinzo Abe.
Mizuho Bank Survey to Shape Semiconductor Ecosystem
The Ambassador revealed that Japan’s Mizuho Bank is conducting a comprehensive survey of Dholera SIR and Japan’s semiconductor parks to explore ways to create an optimal ecosystem for high-tech industries in Gujarat. CM Patel welcomed the initiative and assured full cooperation from state departments.
“The findings of this survey will shape the future of semiconductor manufacturing in Gujarat and help establish it as a leading global hub,” said the Chief Minister.
Beyond Semiconductors: EVs, Bullet Train Project on Agenda
Beyond semiconductors, Ambassador Ono also conveyed Japan’s growing interest in electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing in Gujarat. He further advocated for greater cooperation on the Ahmedabad-Mumbai High-Speed Rail Corridor, popularly known as the Bullet Train Project, seeking faster progress on this flagship India-Japan collaboration.
He concluded the meeting by reaffirming Japan’s intent to strengthen the Japan-India-Gujarat partnership through enhanced trade, industrial, and cultural exchanges.
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Key Attendees at the Meeting
The meeting was attended by top officials, including:
- Mr. M. K. Das, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister
- Ms. Mamta Verma, Principal Secretary, Industries Department
- Smt. Avantika Singh, Additional Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister
- Mr. Mukesh Patel, Honorary Consul of Japan in Gujarat
