Metro India News | AMARAVATI

A 14-member delegation led by Governor Hachiro Nitta of Japan's Toyama region recently visited Andhra Pradesh and signed a renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the APIIC office in Mangalagiri. This agreement is aimed at strengthening the collaborative ties established between the two regions in 2015.

The key highlights of the agreement include, mutual cooperation in trade and business sectors by enhancing the cultural ties and designing the exchange programs for both students and researchers, followed by collaboration in digital technology alongside joint efforts in the pharmaceutical manufacturing sector.

Since 2015, several exchange visits between the two regions have taken place with cultural exchange programs for students under the Sakura Science initiative, along with enhanced job opportunities for Andhra Pradesh students in Toyama. A Japanese Language Centre at Andhra University was also established.

Dr. N. Yuvaraj, Secretary of Industries and Commerce for Andhra Pradesh, highlighted the state’s progress in fostering industrial ties with Japan. “Currently, over 25 Japanese companies operate in Andhra Pradesh, making it one of the largest Japanese industrial hubs in India. The state government is prioritizing investments from Japanese companies, particularly in the pharmaceutical sector,” he said.

Toyama Governor Hachiro Nitta expressed optimism about the partnership, stating, “I will be serving in this position for the next four years, and we are committed to establishing a Japanese Zen Garden in Andhra Pradesh. We will also focus on fostering collaboration between universities and promoting technological exchanges.”

Kona Sasidhar, Secretary of School Education, proposed the formation of joint working groups in areas such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), pharmaceuticals, and defense. He also suggested introducing Japanese language schools in state universities to further strengthen educational ties.

Both parties agreed to set up a dedicated task force to oversee the effective implementation of the MoU's objectives. 

This renewed agreement is expected to pave the way for deeper collaboration, innovation, and mutual growth, taking Andhra Pradesh’s relationship with Toyama to new heights.