The State Government on Monday inked pact with Japan’s Toyama Prefecture for mutual cooperation and development in different fields like pharma, education, culture, and tourism, which ultimately aid in economic development of both the regions.
The Memorandum of Understanding was signed by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Toyama Governor Takakazu Ishhi, who led a 19-member delegation, which includes industrialists.
After signing the memorandum, Mr. Takakazu said a strong India was good for Japan and similarly a strong Japan was good for India.
“Considering India’s enormous potential economic growth and development, partnership with Andhra Pradesh is extremely important for vitalising our prefecture’s economy and society,” said Mr. Takakazu.
On the reasons for selecting Andhra Pradesh as its investment option, he replied there were many similarities between the two regions.
“A.P. is the Buddhist capital and the government is working with unprecedented speed, providing all facilities for industries. It took Toyama about 132 years to develop and I am confident A.P. will not take so much time,” said Mr. Takakazu.
Mr. Chandrababu Naidu said the MoU was a promotional activity and one should look at it as a foundation for strong mutual relationship between the two regions.
Responding to a question over the proposed investments in the State from Japan, Mr. Naidu said,
“Japanese do not come for short-term gains and look for long-term relationship. This is what we too are insisting on.” Besides geographical, there are many similarities between the two regions and this partnership would help in mutual economic development.
