SHILLONG: The state government is contemplating collaboration with Japan in key sectors like agriculture, food processing, tourism and even education, besides infrastructure development.
Speaking to a section of reporters on the outcome of the ‘Dialogue with States’ organised by the Government of Meghalaya and the Embassy of Japan, Chief Minister Conrad Sangma said Meghalaya should be part of the growth story of Indo-Japan relationship.
“We as a state would want to ensure that Meghalaya is part of the programme. There are many things that are happening but we came to realise that many areas of agriculture, food processing, tourism and even student exchange programme have a huge scope for that,” he said.
Japan is keen to ensure that the North East becomes a part of the growth story of Indo-Japan relationship.
Collaboration for infrastructure development has already started in which JICA and the Government of Japan have spent almost Rs 19,000 crore on the region.
“The dialogue was very fruitful. The Cherry Blossom Festival was at a different level this time. We have taken it to the international level with the participation of Japan,” Sangma said.
Sangma said he is looking forward to further collaborations as “there are similarities and areas where Meghalaya and Japan can help each other”.
Informing that Ambassador of Japan to India Kenji Hiramatsu will visit him in the evening, Sangma said, “We are looking forward to it and we have a good relationship at the central level also and our level ensures that the relationship with Japan grows.”
NE as ASEAN gateway
Hiramatsu said Japan aimed to support development in the North East by connecting the intra-regional links as well as links with neighboring countries such as Bangladesh and Myanmar.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of India International Cherry Blossom Festival 2018 on Wednesday, he said Japan had undertaken the task to enhance connectivity through improvement or construction of roads and bridges.
“The North East as a gateway to the ASEAN will boost North East economy. The North East is where our shared vision crystallises. The North East as a priority is evidenced by the ‘Japan-India Act East Forum.’ This is a unique forum in which we test various ideas for the further development of the North East and put them into action,” he added.
Japan launched the IRIS programme to invite the promising youths of the North East to Japan.
“The local kombirei iris species (of flower) is interestingly identical with kakitsubata which is known as ‘Japanese iris’. Inspired by this coincidence, we named the scheme IRIS programme so that it would connect Japan and the North East as the iris did,” said the Japanese ambassador.
Referring to the Indo-Japan relation, Hiramatsu spoke of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Japan at the end of last month and said the PM had a “fruitful discussion” with Shinz? Abe, the Japanese premier.
“Indeed, Japan has institutionalised an annual mutual visit at leader’s level only with India. The Japan-India relations are special and as strong as ever because they are anchored on the shared vision,” Hiramatsu said.
Cherry Blossom Festival
Stating that the cherry blossom, or sakura, is very dear to the people of Japan, Hiramatsu said the festival symbolised friendship between Japan and North East.
“Japan and this region have historical ties dating back to World War II. We wish to strengthen our friendship and let it bloom like cherry blossom and iris,” he added.
According to him, the festival will promote people-to-people and cultural exchanges between Japan and the North East.
