Rajasthan CM visits Daikin and major Japanese firms during Tokyo trip

Tokyo [Japan], September 13 (ANI): Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma during his six-day visit to Japan met with senior officials from Daikin and other major Japanese companies on Friday. During his trip, Sharma visited Daikin’s headquarters in Osaka and its Technology Innovation Centre. Daikin is a key partner at the Neemrana Japanese Industrial Zone in Rajasthan.

On the second day of his visit, Sharma’s delegation also met with officials from the Indian Embassy in Tokyo. They engaged with senior representatives from Honda Motor Company Limited, Wafaku Hospitals and Home Care Group, and TOHO Group, among others. Sharma discussed Rajasthan’s investment opportunities and expressed hope for continued Japanese support in facilitating investments in the state.

Sharma on Thursday also interacted with Japanese government ministers, including Parliamentary Deputy Ministers Ishi Taku and Ishibashi Rintaro, inviting them to participate in the ‘Rising Rajasthan’ Global Investment Summit 2024. He also met Daisuke Saito, President of TOHO Group, a company known for bearing components manufacturing with a joint venture in Jaipur.

During these meetings, Sharma underlined Rajasthan’s industrial opportunities, modern infrastructure, skilled workforce, and investment-friendly policies. He extended an invitation to invest in Rajasthan. He did so while drawing attention to the state’s commitment to becoming India’s investment capital. This visit by Rajasthan’s Chief Minister is part of the ongoing efforts to strengthen its economic ties with Japan and attract global investment.

Rajasthan is taking a major step in its partnership with Japan by hosting an international investor meet in Tokyo and Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma seems optimistic that the event will mark a ‘new chapter’ in the collaboration between Rajasthan and Japanese businesses.

“I am confident that this international investor meeting with Japanese entrepreneurs will mark a new chapter in our historic partnership,” Sharma said. He also emphasised Tokyo’s role in encouraging investment, highlighting the city’s reputation for technological innovation and leadership in electronics and the automobile industry. “Japan has been a leading investor in India, and I am pleased to be standing in Tokyo, a city renowned for its technological innovation, corporate leadership, electronics, and automobile industry,” he added.

Sharma stressed Rajasthan’s commitment to creating a supportive business environment. “Our government is committed to resolving investors’ issues and creating a positive business environment. We want to strengthen trade relations with Japanese investors, fostering deeper ties between Rajasthan and Japan,” he explained. The Chief Minister also noted the significance of Japan’s hospitality, “Japan is famous for its ‘Omotenashi,’ symbolizing the beautiful spirit of hospitality. This mutual respect and hospitality creates a welcoming environment for our partnership and investment.”

The success of the Neemrana Japanese Investment Zone was showcased as evidence of Rajasthan’s appeal. “Our commitment to providing a suitable business environment for Japanese investors is evident from the success of the Neemrana Japanese Investment Zone, where over 48 Japanese companies have invested approximately USD 8.34 billion and employed over 26,500 people,” Sharma said.

The Rajasthan CM acknowledged that this success has strengthened Japan’s confidence in Rajasthan. Future policies to enhance the business environment were discussed, including new industrial and sector-specific policies.