Guwahati, May 3 – A significant diplomatic visit commenced on Saturday as a Japanese delegation, led by House of Representatives Speaker Nukaga Fukushiro, arrived in Assam for a three-day engagement. This visit is poised to strengthen ties between Japan and the northeastern state of India.

Upon the delegation’s arrival in Guwahati, they were warmly welcomed by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who expressed optimism that this visit would encourage Japanese companies to explore collaborative opportunities in Assam and other northeastern states. The delegation was received at the airport by Assembly Speaker Biswajit Daimary, along with Sports and Youth Welfare Minister Nandita Gorlosa and other senior officials.

In a statement shared by the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) on X, Sarma emphasized the significance of the visit, stating, “I consider it my honour to welcome the Hon’ble Speaker and his delegation to our beautiful state. This visit is a testament to deepening ties between Assam and Japan.” He further noted that the engagement would provide new momentum to Assam’s strategic partnership with Japan, particularly in light of the Advantage Assam 2.0 initiative.

During the meeting, Sarma highlighted his previous visit to Japan in February, where he discussed employment opportunities for Assam’s youth. He announced the state’s readiness to establish a Japanese Language and Testing Centre at the ASEAN One Technical Centre in Amingaon, Kamrup district, to facilitate this initiative.

Chief Secretary Ravi Kota presented a comprehensive overview of Assam’s business landscape, detailing potential areas for collaboration, including industries, tourism, skill development, employment, health, and family welfare.

The Japanese delegation also participated in a cultural program held in their honor, attended by Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya and other dignitaries.

On Sunday, the 45-member delegation is scheduled to visit the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Guwahati, and the Tata Semiconductor and Testing Facility at Jagiroad. They will also inspect various projects being implemented with Japanese aid before concluding their visit on Monday.

This visit marks a crucial step in fostering bilateral relations and enhancing economic collaboration between Assam and Japan, following Chief Minister Sarma’s invitation to Fukushiro during his visit to Japan in January.