Chief Minister V. Narayanasamy has requested the Japanese government to consider providing smaller loans through Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for infrastructure development in the Union Territory.
Mr. Narayanasamy made the request when Consulate General of Japan Kojiro Uchiyama called on him in his chamber on Thursday.
According to an official privy to the meeting, the Chief Minister said as a policy matter, JICA had set ₹1000 crore as ceiling for loans to be availed from the agency.
The requirements of the Union Territory should not be compared with those of bigger States.
The agency should consider funding smaller infrastructure projects, the Chief Minister had reportedly told the Consulate General.
The Consulate General had agreed to take up the issue with the Japanese Government, the official said.
He assured the Chief Minister to consider establishing a Japanese Study Centre in the Pondicherry University.
Talks are on with the University in this regard, the official added.
To a request made by the Chief Minister for enhanced cooperation with the Union Territory in developing the tourism sector, the Consulate General agreed to provide assistance for cleaning up canals to make them navigable.
The Chief Minister also briefed the Consulate General on the major tourism projects taken up by the administration and the schemes being implemented under the Smart City project.
