Shillong (Meghalaya) [India], February 27 (ANI): The Sixth India-Japan Intellectual Conclave was held at Vivanta, Shillong, which was attended by Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Okay Sangma because the Chief Guest.
In his inaugural handle, Chief Minister, Conrad Okay Sangma, stated that the India – Japan ties are anchored in mutual respect, democratic values and a shared imaginative and prescient for financial cooperation and sustainable improvement and acknowledged, ‘Given the energy of the connection between Japan and India, ‘Kizuna’ (an enduring bond) is probably the most applicable theme for the conclave.’
Elaborating on the legacy of partnership between Japan and the state of Meghalaya, the Chief Minister stated that Japan has been a steadfast improvement companion for the state, with the collaboration being not nearly infrastructure but in addition about folks. He additionally outlined the collaborations between Japan and Meghalaya for youth empowerment and knowledgeable that 47 nurses from the state are positioned in Japan.
Ambassador Ono Keiichi, N J Gangte, Secretary and OSD (Establishment), Ministry of External Affairs & Acting DDG, ICWA, Takuro Takeuchi, Chief Representative, JICA India, amongst others, had been additionally current in the course of the Inaugural Session.
‘Following my go to to Japan in April 2025, we signed an MoU with ASEAN One Co. to coach and place 500 youth this 12 months; scaling to five,000 over the subsequent 5 years,’ he stated. He additionally stated that the state has tied up with NAVIS HR for putting Meghalaya’s expert sources in Japan. Further, he additionally acknowledged {that a} Japanese language coaching centre has been established in Shillong for imparting coaching to youth to realize information and fluency within the Japanese language.
In the sphere of Agricultural Innovation, the Chief Minister stated that India’s first business manufacturing of Shitake Blocks is happening in Upper Shillong with expertise, advertising and marketing and different help from YATS Co of Japan. ‘The facility has a capability to provide 1,50,000 inoculated shiitake blocks each year and is anticipated to profit over 1000 farmers of Meghalaya,’ he stated and added the state can also be exploring the creation of the state’s personal sake utilizing native rice in partnership with Sasaki Sake Brewery.
Referring to the lengthy partnership of the state with JICA, the Chief Minister stated that JICA is a significant improvement companion in Meghalaya, investing considerably in infrastructure, sustainable forestry and tourism. ‘22,500 Ha. of Meghalaya’s forests are being restored, and livelihoods are being constructed via the JICA-supported MegLIFE mission restoring forests, conserving pure sources and bettering livelihoods for rural communities throughout 500 villages in 11 districts,’ he stated.
He additionally knowledgeable that the Umiam Hydro Power Station and the Umiam-Umtru Stage-III Hydroelectric Power Station are being renovated with help from JICA and stated that the longest river bridge of almost 19 kms in India inking Dhubri in Assam to Phulwari in Meghalaya, is primarily funded by JICA.
Further, the Chief Minister stated that 74% of Meghalaya’s inhabitants is underneath the age of 35 and proposed the institution of Meghalaya-Japan Skill Corridor, stating, ‘The youthful power of Meghalaya will be paired with Japan’s technological mastery.’
On the cultural collaboration, the Chief Minister stated that the Shillong Cherry Blossom pageant has, for the final two years, had an unique Japanese pavillion providing the guests an opportunity to discover Japanese custom, delicacies, tradition and dwell performances by Japanese artists.
Looking ahead to strengthening the partnership between Japan and the state, the Chief Minister stated he prolonged an invite to Japanese companies and tutorial establishments to collaborate with the state, constructing a mannequin for inclusive improvement that serves as a roadmap for the whole Indo-Pacific area. He additionally stated that key areas of partnership will be in round economic system and local weather resilience, expertise, agriculture and sustainable tourism.
The Chief Minister, expressing gratitude to the Embassy of Japan, the Ministry of External Affairs and Asian Confluence for arranging this conclave in Shillong, stated, ‘Your efforts have created not solely a discussion board for dialogue, however a dwelling bridge sending a powerful sign of dedication to deepening engagement with our State and the broader North East.’
Earlier, the Chief Minister additionally walked via the Exhibition of Artefacts from Imphal Peace Museum and North East Archives. (ANI)