Japanese industries keen to invest in Odisha: Diplomat

Japanese industries are keen to invest in Odisha in different sectors and work towards a collaborative business effort, a top diplomat of that country said on Monday.

Addressing the second edition of the 'Make in Odisha' conclave here, Japanese Ambassador to India, Kenji Hiramatsu appreciated the interest of Odisha to work with companies from Japan.

"We are looking forward to expanding our partnerships with Odisha and we can work on several sectors to boost a collaborative business effort.

"Odisha can also assist Japan to fill up some gaps in certain industries such as the seafood industry... how Japan can get sufficient amount of prawns for Japanese consumers as Odisha is one of the prime exporters," Hiramatsu said.

Japan is the partner country for the 2018 edition of the conclave, which was attended by senior officials from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO), Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry in India (JCCII) and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, among others.

"In Odisha, till date, JICA has assisted 13 projects in the fields of water and sanitation, agriculture, power and forestry. Altogether, JICA has provided an Official Development Assistance (ODA) loan assistance, which amounts to 160 billion Japanese Yen (about Rs 9,200 crore) for the development of various sectors in Odisha," said Yoshiomi Yoshino, Senior Representative, JICA.

Odisha Additional Chief Secretary R Balakrishnan said Odisha is in state of advance discussion with Japanese industries willing to invest in Odisha.

Balakrishnan added that Odisha has identified 665 acres of land for the Japanese organisations to set up their business infrastructure in the state.