Japanese state invites Indian investment

NEW DELHI: Fukuoka Prefecture, a Japanese state, today invited Indian companies to join hands with its firms in areas like automobiles, steel and bio-technology.

"This is the first time we are heading a business mission to New Delhi. We are looking at mutual cooperation between businessmen of India and Fukuoka Prefecture," Governor of Fukuoka Prefecture Hiroshi Ogawa said at a function here.

Ogawa is heading a 50-member business delegation to India.

Delhi and Fukuoka Prefecture had yesterday signed an agreement to collectively work upon housing, management of traffic and improvement of urban environment. A mutual treaty which was earlier signed in 2007 between the two sides was extended.

"India is an attractive country for us. Thus, our businessmen want to increase business exchanges with your companies," Ogawa said.

Fukuoka Prefecture offers conducive environment for investors and labour is also available at lesser rates, he added.

Fukuoka Prefecture's main cities form one of Japan's main industrial centers with major industries operating in areas like automobiles, semiconductors and steel.