Mangaluru, Karnataka: In a bid to strengthen trade ties and foster investment opportunities, the Kanara Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) hosted a high-level Japanese delegation on January 22, 2025. The event focused on showcasing Mangaluru’s potential as a strategic hub for Japanese enterprises.
The delegation, led by Prof. Gopal Mugeraya, Vice-President of Technical Education at NITTE University, included prominent Japanese representatives: Komatsu Shinya, Prefectural Assembly Member and Former Vice Chairman from Japan; Katsutoshi Seiwa, Director of Industrial Technology Innovation Division; Ito Susumu, Chief of Industrial Technological Development; Kotaro Kurosaka, CEO of Sanyo Machinery Company; and Tadashi Ariji, Group Manager at Boehringer Ingelheim Yamagata Factory.
Focus on Mangaluru’s Strategic Advantages
During the meeting held at the KCCI Meeting Hall, KCCI President Anand G Pai highlighted Mangaluru’s strategic location, skilled workforce, and robust infrastructure as key factors that make the region an attractive destination for international investors.
Pai emphasized the potential of the Mangalore Special Economic Zone Limited (MSEZL), which has already drawn interest from multinational corporations. He assured the Japanese delegation of full support in facilitating business ventures and invited Indian expatriates in Japan to invest in Mangaluru as part of Member of Parliament Brijesh Chowta’s “Back to Ooru” initiative, which aims to encourage overseas Indians to contribute to regional development.
Support from Local Leadership
MP Brijesh Chowta, who felicitated the delegates, reaffirmed his commitment to fostering international collaborations. He promised assistance in land allocation, streamlining compliance processes, and liaising with Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for grants to bolster these initiatives.
Mangaluru South MLA D. Vedavyas Kamath also welcomed the Japanese delegation and praised Japan’s technological advancements. Kamath commended MP Chowta for his efforts in promoting infrastructure development, which he believes will further attract global investments to the region.
Delegation Impressed by Local Potential
The Japanese delegation expressed enthusiasm about Mangaluru’s investment potential, particularly in sectors like manufacturing, industrial technology, and innovation. Komatsu Shinya remarked on Mangaluru’s growing reputation as an emerging hub for industrial and economic activities, and Katsutoshi Seiwa noted the importance of collaboration in advancing technological innovation.
Future Prospects
The visit marks a significant step toward deepening trade ties between India and Japan, as both nations continue to explore opportunities for economic growth and development. With its strategic location and focus on fostering international partnerships, Mangaluru is poised to become a key destination for Japanese investments in the coming years.
Source: PTI
