Japanese governor Ohmura Hidaeki commits support to Make in India initiative

AHMEDABAD: Governor of Aichi prefecture in Japan Ohmura Hidaeki today said the country will support the 'Make In India' programme envisioned by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"Aichi prefecture and the area surrounding Chubu is the biggest industrial region in Japan. We very strongly feel that we will be able to support the 'Make in India' programme," Governor of Aichi prefecture Ohmura Hideaki said.

Hidaeki, who is visiting with a delegation from Japan's Chubu economic region, was speaking during an interaction at the Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industries.

"There are various companies from Aichi prefecture here. Maruti Suzuki is one, Toyota is another group. I believe and I heard that there are more groups as well as ancillary units (which) will come to invest here," Hidaeki said.

Hidaeki said he met Modi, Gujarat Chief Minister Anandiben Patel and state Finance Minister Saurabh Patel.

"I represent Aichi prefecture, but we have come here with a delegation from Chubu. Yesterday, I had an opportunity to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi also. This is the third time I met Modi," he said.

Industrial Extension Bureau Managing Director Roopwant Singh said that Gujarat expects an investment of USD 2 billion by 2019-2020.

"Vithalapur, which is around 75 km from Ahmedabad, is emerging as a Japanese industrial estate in Gujarat with engineering, automobiles and ancillary units," he said.

Later, talking to reporters, Singh said, "Investment from Japan is likely to be achieved by the end of 2020."

"Japan has emerged as one of the top investors in Gujarat. Japanese industry and decision makers consider Gujarat to be one of the most favourable destinations for Japanese companies," Singh said.

"In the coming months and years, we expect further engagements with Japanese companies and the government to develop Dholera Special Investment Region to focus on heavy engineering and automobile sectors," Singh said.