The Uttar Pradesh government has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Japan’s Yamanashi Prefecture to collaborate in vocational education and industrial cooperation. The agreement was formalized during a meeting held in Lucknow on Monday.
The MoUs were exchanged between Uttar Pradesh’s Chief Secretary, Manoj Kumar Singh, and Junichi Ishidera, the Director General of the Governor’s Policy Planning Bureau of Yamanashi Prefecture. The event was attended by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and the Governor of Yamanashi Prefecture, Kotaro Nagasaki.
According to the state government, the partnership aims to strengthen skills development programs and create training opportunities for workers. This includes training in Japan to equip individuals with skills relevant to global industries. The collaboration also focuses on enhancing industrial cooperation by leveraging improved infrastructure such as rail, road, air, and waterways for better market access.
Currently, over 1,400 Japanese companies operate in India, including several in Uttar Pradesh. Bilateral trade between India and Japan in the 2023-24 fiscal year amounted to $22.85 billion, with Japan exporting goods worth $17.69 billion to India and importing $5.15 billion.
The Governor of Yamanashi Prefecture highlighted Japan’s interest in mutual cooperation with Uttar Pradesh, specifically in labor skill development, renewable energy, hydropower, and knowledge exchange.
The Chief Minister emphasized the state’s efforts to expand workforce capabilities, particularly for its younger population, which comprises a significant portion of those under 15 years old.
Further details on the specific vocational programs and industrial initiatives under this agreement are expected to be announced as the partnership progresses.