Mumbai: Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, during a courtesy meeting with Japan’s Consul General in Mumbai, Yagi Koji, emphasized increasing cooperation not only in industrial and economic sectors but also in social and cultural domains.
"India and Japan are natural allies and share a unique spiritual and cultural bond. Japan has played a significant role in India’s industrial development and infrastructure creation. Japan has made substantial industrial investments in India, with more than 300 Japanese companies operating in Maharashtra, including over 50 in and around Pune. Addressing the concerns of these companies and creating an industry-friendly environment is the responsibility of the government," Pawar said.
Yagi Koji met Ajit Pawar on Wednesday at the Sahyadri Guest House in Mumbai. Discussions were held in detail regarding increasing Japanese investment in the state and resolving issues faced by the industrial sector. Special focus was also placed on enhancing social and cultural cooperation. Additional Chief Secretary and Development Commissioner Dr. Rajgopal Deora, Additional Chief Secretary (Finance) O.P. Gupta, and Secretary to the Deputy CM Dr. Rajesh Deshmukh were also present.
The Maharashtra government will prioritize solving issues faced by Japanese companies operating in Mumbai, Pune, and other regions of the state. The government is committed to providing necessary infrastructure such as good roads, adequate power, clean water, and a secure environment. Roads in Pune’s industrial areas will be repaired. ₹80 crore has been sanctioned for the road from Sanaswadi to Pimple Jagtap. Land acquisition is underway, and roadwork will begin after the monsoon. Pawar directed the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority to immediately begin concrete roadwork where urgent repairs are required.
Issues related to roads, power, and transportation for Japanese companies in Pune will be resolved on priority. A meeting will be held in Pune with senior Japanese company officials to discuss their concerns. Policy and tax-related matters will also be addressed. Topics like Miyawaki gardens, CSR funds, JICA, STPs, and flood control were also discussed during the meeting. Ajit Pawar and Yagi Koji together expressed confidence that Maharashtra will continue to foster a favourable investment environment and that Indo-Japanese relations will grow stronger.
