Chief Minister takes a ride in Japan’s Bullet Train, desires to replicate in Gujarat
Gujarat prepares ground to partner 100 Japanese companies set up automobile units in State
Narendra Modi thanks Suzuki chairman for choosing Gujarat, looks forward to greater cooperation between Gujarat and Hamamatsu
Suzuki Motors to train 500 youth from Gujarat as auto technicians
Ahmedabad, Wednesday: Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi is preparing grounds to partner 100 Japanese automobile companies set up their projects during the next five years the state being developed as Asia’s biggest auto hub.
After two days hectic schedule in Tokyo, he took a ride in Japan’s fastest Bullet Train from Tokyo to Hamamatsu covering the distance in 90 minutes, to a warm welcome at Hamamatsu.
Addressing an Investment Seminar with focus on Automobile sector in Japan organized by Hamamatsu Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) being attended by 400 industrialist engaged in automobile sector, he said that Gujarat has all the excellent infrastructure in place necessary for industrial development.
Elaborating, he said that Gujarat is the only power surplus state in India. It has an extensive Narmada canal network. It has laid 2,000-km long network of drinking water pipeline for bulk supply. It has initiated a farsighted skill development scheme for imparting training in different trades on a large scale.
Mr. Modi said that Japan has won Gujarat’s heart.
He said that Gujarat is interested not just in creating basic physical amenities, technological and infrastructure improvement but also in cultural development. Looking to growing relation with Japan for development, he said, Gujarat will hold Japanese food and film festival, besides Japanese Industrial Zones, Eco Township and Smart City Projects. He said that Gujarat is receiving applications from some Japanese company every week.Mr. Modi thanked Suzuki Chairman Osamu Suzuki for his leadership and farsightedness as Chairman of Hamamatsu JETRO to set up car unit in Gujarat. He looked forward to greater cooperation between Gujarat and Japan’s Hamamatsu Province.
He also went round the world-famous car manufacturing plant of Suzuki Motor Corporation at Hamamatsu, joined a lunch-cum-welcome programme in Japanese tradition and hospitality.
Chief Minister had discussions with Suzuki Chairman Osamu Suzuki and senior office bearers of the company regarding the company’s upcoming Gujarat plant. He also sought information regarding the company’s preparation for its plant in Gujarat.
Speaking on the occasion Mr. Modi welcomed Suzuki’s entry in Gujarat in the form of its car manufacturing expansion plant near Becharaji. He said that with Suzuki’s announcement of setting up its plant in Gujarat, many of the carmakers have become eager to set up their base in the State. “Gujarat has already emerged as a growth engine of India, and now it is committed to emerge as an auto-hub of Asia”, he said.
As the ‘growth’ and ‘progress’ is inherent to Gujarat and Suzuki, they both will surely develop a family-like tie between each other, hoped Mr. Modi.
Suzuki Chairman Osamu Suzuki lauded the interest the government and people of Gujarat showed for Suzuki’s plant in Gujarat. He said that the company will send 500 youths from Gujarat to Japan for the automobile technical training. He appealed the auto sector to set up their plants in Gujarat.
During his visit to Suzuki plant Chief Minister also held talk with 135 Indian engineers who reside in Japan in connection with Suzuki car project. He said that Gujarat has recognized the importance of human resource development in this competitive age. In this direction, the State has established various specialized universities such as Petroleum University, Raksha Shakti University, Forensic Science University, Teachers’ University, Law University and Children University. To encourage innovation the State has come up with ‘iCreate’ incubation centre, he said.
Chief Minister said that Gujarat, which was once known as a ‘traders’ State’, has turned into a pioneer in manufacturing sector during last decade. In coming days the State is going to emerge as an employment centre, giving jobs to the youths of every corner of India.
During his five-hour visit to Suzuki plant premises Chief Minister and the delegation also visited Suzuki’s world-famous museum.
Hamamatsu and Gujarat shares unique similarity, both are famous for kite festival
A programme was organized on Wednesday under the aegis of Hamamatsu Chamber of Commerce and Industries to welcome Mr. Modi and the accompanying delegation. On the occasion Chief Minister said that Hamamatsu and Gujarat shares unique similarity as they both are famous for their kite festivals. He suggested to organize special kite festival for the kite-lovers of Gujarat and Hamamatsu and to develop the relation between the two places as sister cities.
Mr. Mimuro, Chairman of Hamamatsu Chamber of Commerce accorded grand welcome to the Chief Minister.
From Thursday the Chief Minister and the delegation will be on two-day visit to Nagoya, Osaka and Kobe.
