Mie prefecture head keen on tech transfers, SMEs

Reinforcing the bonhomie between Japan and India, Mie prefecture Governor Eikei Suzuki on Wednesday signalled his government’s intentions to strengthen its relationship with Karnataka by linking SMEs and technology transfer.

Talking to reporters, he said the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on trade and investment with the state is a right step taking into account the long term interests of both regions.

“We have a strong footing in the auto, petrochemical, automation, electronics, aerospace, renewable energy,  medical equipment, pharmaceutical industries, waste management and service and technology sectors. We are ready to bring our SMEs which have high-end technologies to India and enhance Japanese presence in the state,” Suzuki said.

Talking about tackling environmental pollution, he said Mie Prefecture has strong technology prowess in this area. “We have a proven track record on this front and have eliminated pollution faced by the city of Yokkaichi. It can be replicated any part of the world,” he said.

On technology transfer, Suzuki said the International Centre for Environmental Technology Transfer  will train people on this. “We have already trained 8,000 people from 89 countries. We are ready to take more from India to various technology institutes in the Prefecture,” he said.

Karnataka houses around 270 Japanese companies, including Toyota, Amada, Casio, Denso, Dentsu, and Indo-Nissan.

As per Jetro’s assessment, Rs 1,000 crore worth of Japanese investments are in various stages of implementation and Japan intends to double this investment.
Suzuki also invited Indian companies to invest in Mie Prefecture.

“We are ready to give more investments than other prefectures in Japan. We look forward to seeing more Indian investments in the IT and pharma sectors,” Suzuki said
To further explore investments from the prefecture, the government of Karnataka is sending Chief Secretary Kaushik Mukherjee and Commerce and Industries Commissioner Maheshwara Rao there for six days from September 14.

Both officials will hold meetings with chief executive officers of various companies and the Japanese government.

The state government is partnering with Japan to develop major projects such as the Chennai–Bangalore Industrial Corridor, Bangalore Metro Rail, Bangalore Peripheral Ring Road and also carrying out a feasibility study to set up a world class Japanese Industrial Zone in the State.