Jagiroad (Assam), May 4 – Assam is actively pursuing investment opportunities from Japan, as highlighted by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma during a recent visit from a high-level Japanese delegation. This delegation, led by Nukaga Fukushiro, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, marks the fourth significant visit from Japan to the northeastern state since February.

The Chief Minister emphasized that the frequent visits from top Japanese officials are indicative of positive developments for Assam, which is already engaged in several collaborative projects with Japan. Sarma recounted his previous meeting with Fukushiro in Japan, where he extended an invitation for the Speaker to visit Assam, leading to this current delegation of over 50 members.

Upon their arrival in Guwahati on Saturday, the delegation engaged in discussions with Sarma and attended a dinner hosted by the governor and the Speaker of the Assam assembly. The following day, they toured a Japan-assisted skill training center and the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Guwahati, before visiting the Tata semiconductor plant in Jagiroad.

During his interactions, Sarma expressed optimism about future investments, stating, “If we can remain engaged with them, we can get more assistance and industry from them in the future.” He noted that Japan has lifted its travel advisory against Assam, which he interpreted as a positive sign for increasing collaboration.

The delegation’s visit to IIT Guwahati included a tour of key research facilities, such as the Centre for Nanotechnology, where they observed cutting-edge cleanroom technology relevant to the Tata semiconductor project. They also explored the Technology Incubation Centre and Research Park, showcasing innovations in Artificial Intelligence and healthcare technologies. Start-ups at the institute presented their sustainable devices to the Speaker as mementos.

Fukushiro highlighted the shared democratic values and developmental objectives between India and Japan, stressing the importance of collaboration in emerging technologies and sustainable development. The delegation comprised four members of the Japanese Parliament, the former ambassador to India, senior officials from the Japanese government, and representatives from various Japanese industries.

Professor Devendra Jalihal, director of IIT Guwahati, welcomed the delegation and discussed the institute’s global collaborations and commitment to advancing scientific research. The visit also included discussions aimed at enhancing existing collaborations and aligning future efforts with the goal of increasing Indo-Japan student and research exchanges to 50,000, as envisioned by the leaders of both nations.