Japan eyes Assam for strategic, business collaboration

Guwahati, May 5: A high-level Japanese delegation—comprising Members of Parliament, ministry officials, and business leaders—is on a three-day visit to Assam to explore the state’s growing potential in semiconductors, OSAT (Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Test), world-class infrastructure, tourism, and disaster-resilient development—a domain where Japan brings significant global expertise.

The visit, seen as a key step in strengthening economic and strategic cooperation, also includes site visits to IIT-Guwahati’s cleanroom facilities and the upcoming Tata OSAT plant, as well as high-level meetings with the Governor, Chief Minister, and Speaker of Assam. A round of B2B meetings is also lined up to promote direct collaboration.

Welcoming the delegation at Lok Sewa Bhawan, Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma said, “It is my honour to welcome the Hon’ble Speaker of the House of Representatives of Japan, Mr. Nukaga Fukushiro, and his team to Assam. This visit is a testament to our deepening ties and will open new avenues for collaboration.”

Dr. Sarma emphasised the visit’s significance in the backdrop of Advantage Assam 2.0, and shared details of Assam’s evolving investment climate. Referring to his visit to Japan earlier this year ahead of the Investment and Infrastructure Summit, he underlined the potential for Assamese youth to contribute to Japan’s workforce, particularly in nursing and elderly care.

He also announced Assam’s readiness to operationalise a Japanese Language and Testing Centre at the ASEAN One Technical Centre in Amingaon, Kamrup, which will support language proficiency and employability.

“This is not just a diplomatic visit—it’s a symbol of growing people-to-people connection and future cooperation,” said Dr. Sarma, adding that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also expressed confidence in the visit’s role in enhancing India-Japan relations, especially for the Northeast.

Chief Secretary Dr. Ravi Kota gave a comprehensive presentation on Assam’s strategic location—as a gateway to 35% of the world’s population—and its multi-sectoral strengths in industry, education, tourism, innovation, startups, skill development, and natural resources.

Also present were Sports and Youth Welfare Minister Nandita Gorlosa, Japan’s Ambassador to India Keiichi Ono, and senior government officials.

A unique highlight of the discussions was the dialogue on “Bridging Age – Building Skills”, centred around Assam’s youthful median age of 22.7 years, in contrast to Japan’s 49.5. This demographic advantage positions Assam as a promising partner in Japanese skilling programs, particularly in language, healthcare, and technology sectors.

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