“Let Us Strengthen Collaboration Between India and Japan in Industrial, Economic, Social, and Cultural Spheres” – DCM Ajit Pawar

Japan’s Consul General Koji Yagi Pays Courtesy Call on Deputy CM Ajit Pawar

Mumbai : India and Japan are natural friends with a unique spiritual and cultural bond. Japan has played a pivotal role in India’s industrial growth and infrastructure development. Japanese companies have made substantial investments in India, with over 300 operating in Maharashtra alone and about 50 in and around Pune. It is the government’s responsibility to resolve the issues faced by these companies— which contribute significantly to the state’s industrial, economic, and social progress and generate employment— and to create an industry-friendly environment. Going forward, while expanding collaboration in industry and economic sectors, let us also strive to enhance cooperation in social and cultural fields between India and Japan, urged Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar during discussions with Japan’s Consul General in Mumbai, Koji Yagi, today.

Courtesy Call by Japan’s Consul General
Japan’s Consul General in Mumbai, Koji Yagi, paid a courtesy call on Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar at the Sahyadri Guest House in Mumbai. The two leaders held detailed discussions on increasing Japanese investment in the state and addressing challenges faced by the industrial sector. They also emphasized deepening social and cultural cooperation. Present at the meeting were Dr. Rajgopal Devra, Additional Chief Secretary and Development Commissioner of the State Planning Department; O.P. Gupta, Additional Chief Secretary of the Finance Department; and Dr. Rajesh Deshmukh, Secretary to the Deputy Chief Minister.

Improving Infrastructure for Japanese Companies
The state government will prioritize resolving issues affecting Japanese companies operating across Mumbai, Pune, and other regions of Maharashtra. Ensuring quality roads, adequate power supply, reliable water, and a safe environment are government responsibilities and will be fulfilled. Roads within Pune’s industrial areas will be repaired. A fund of ₹80 crore has been approved for the Sataswadi to Pimple-Jagatpadi road, and land acquisition is underway; construction is slated to begin after the monsoon. Where urgent road repairs are needed, the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) will immediately commence work on concrete road construction, directed Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar.

Japanese firms in Pune will receive prompt resolution of infrastructure-related issues—roads, electricity, water, and transportation. A meeting with senior executives of Japanese companies in Pune will be organized to address their concerns. Strategic and taxation issues will also be resolved, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar informed Consul General Yagi. Discussions also covered Miyawaki urban forestry initiatives, corporate social responsibility funds, the JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency), sewage treatment plants, and flood management. Both Ajit Pawar and Koji Yagi expressed confidence that Maharashtra’s investment climate will improve further and that India–Japan friendship will grow even stronger.