NEW DELHI: PM Narendra Modi called for a stronger state-prefecture cooperation between India and Japan to boost trade, technology, manufacturing and cultural links between India and Japan, and to create new industries, develop fresh skills and open up more opportunities for people.In a meeting with 16 governors of Japanese prefectures – which he described as powerhouses of technology, manufacturing, and innovation – Modi said he and his counterpart Shigeru Ishiba had launched the ‘state-prefecture permanent initiative’ on Friday to ensure that Indian states become hubs of international cooperation.”Our goal is for delegations from at least three Indian states and three Japanese prefectures to visit each other’s countries every year. I warmly invite all of you to be part of this important initiative, and to visit India. Let India’s states and Japan’s prefectures co-pilot our shared progress,” said Modi addressing the governors on the second day of his visit to Japan.He urged the governors and Indian state govts to leverage the new initiative and forge partnerships in the fields of manufacturing, technology, innovation, mobility, next-generation infrastructure, start-ups and SMEs. The PM said that the Japanese provinces provide fertile ground not only for large companies but also for SMEs and start-ups. “Similarly, in India, start-ups and MSMEs from smaller towns are playing a vital role in driving the country’s growth story. If these vibrant ecosystems of Japan and India come together – ideas will flow, innovation will grow, and opportunities will unfold,” he said.”The future of international collaboration is being shaped by your efforts. Many Indian states and Japanese prefectures already have partnerships, such as Gujarat and Shizuoka, Uttar Pradesh and Yamanashi, Maharashtra and Wakayama, Andhra Pradesh and Toyama. However, I believe that this partnership should not remain only on paper. It should happen from paper to people to prosperity,” Modi added.
