New Delhi (NVI): Japanese Ambassador to India, Suzuki Satoshi, today said that Japan has been engaged in efforts to enhance connectivity of North East.
Envoy Suzuki was attending the symposium along with External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar, Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and other high ranking officials of Assam Government, held at “Srimana Sankaradeva Kalakshetra” (Assamese cultural center).
While making a speech concerning Japan’s cooperation in the Assam and the North East, he said, “Japan has been engaged in efforts to enhance connectivity of North East. For example, the Dhubri-Phulbari bridge will link Assam and Meghalaya over the Brahmaputra river, dramatically shortening the travel time from more than 8 hours to less than 30 minutes.”
The ambassador stressed that the potentials of Assam and the North East, situated in an important location to realize our vision for a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific, need to be fully tapped in India’s quest towards the 5-trillion-dollar economy.
During his address, he touched upon the importance of entrepreneurship and expressed his hope for promoting business in the North East.
Furthermore, Suzuki Satoshi introduced the Japan Endowed Course (JEC) set up in IIT Guwahati and young Japanese entrepreneurs assembling e-rikshaws in Assam, as well as Japan’s willingness to cooperate to build bamboo value chains.
The Ambassador also shared his expectations for utilization of the Technical Intern Training Program (TITP) and the system of Specified Skilled Worker.
Speaking on the occasion, Jaishankar said, “It is remarkable that within a decade, the India-Japan partnership is today seen in Asia, perhaps in the world, as most natural and close. And awarding of Padma Vibhushan to previous (Japan) PM Shinzo Abe was symbolic of our journey.”
“Centre is committed to the states’ welfare. International partnerships can make a difference in the development of a state. Both the Japanese Ambassador and I spoke of many projects in Assam and look forward to seeing them fructify in the coming years,” he said.
The Japanese ambassador visited Assam following up with the Act East Forum (AEF) held on January 28.
The AEF was established in 2017 when Jaishankar was serving as Foreign Secretary. Currently, Ambassador Suzuki and Foreign Secretary Shringla are co-chairing this forum on the development of North East.
Earlier today, Ambassador Suzuki and EAM Jaishankar visited the Guwahati Water Supply project site.
They reviewed the progress of the water supply project which is being funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
In addition to this, Suzuki expressed in his remarks that Japan would like to cooperate in the field of healthcare and sanitation as they have become even more important in the post-COVID period.
-CHK
