West Bengal, Japan explore new trade, air connectivity and cultural partnerships

Kolkata: As India celebrates 75 years of Indo-Japan friendship next year, a joint cultural festival and exchange between Japan and West Bengal will be held in the state in 2027.

A seven-member high-level Japanese delegation, led by State Minister for Foreign Affairs Ayano Kunimitsu, visited Kolkata on Friday and held a meeting with industry and commerce minister Tapas Roy and other senior officials to explore bilateral trade, air connectivity and cultural ties between Japan and Bengal. Roy said the Indo-Japan cultural festival will feature food from both Bengal and Japan, animation, films and other cultural exchanges. The possibility of establishing direct air connectivity between Japan and Kolkata was also discussed, he said.

They also discussed a "hassle-free" business environment and renewable energy in Bengal. The minister said the government assured the delegation of providing a conducive business environment.