Historical Visit of Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Mr. Fadnavis to Japan
– Real Business-Oriented Efforts of Mr. Fadnavis and His Team –
The Government of Japan extended an official invitation to His Excellency Mr. Devendra Fadnavis, the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, as a guest of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan this year. This was on a scheme to invite leaders in the field of politics, economy, administration and academia in the world with the aim of offering an opportunity to deepen their understanding of the country through exchanges of views with Japanese experts from the government, academia and private sectors, and through visits to industrial and cultural organizations.
The Deputy Chief Minister’s Office (DCMO) worked for over 2 months with our Team at the Consulate and a detailed 5-day program was laid out. Trip had three key aspects:
- Cultural Immersion
- Ministerial/Govt/Key Agency meetings
- Business Promotion
DCM Mr. Fadnavis, CG Fukahori at Mumbai Residence
The DCM and his team visited Japan from August 21 till 25 and he energetically conducted various meetings, held crucial ministerial and agency related discussions, visited historical temples of global repute and met several important companies and CEOs to promote Maharashtra. It was indeed an amazing effort.
Following are some of the important achievements the DCM made during this official trip to Japan.
Call for Vice-Minister for MOFA
The DCM called for Mr. TAKAGI Kei, Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs. Mr. Takagi welcomed the DCM’s visit to Japan, and stated that Japan and India are important partners who share fundamental values and strategic interests, and that he was pleased to see the frequent high-level contacts between the two countries in recent years. Mr. Takagi also stated that this year marks an important year for the G7 Presidency of Japan and the G20 Presidency of India, and both countries bear a great responsibility to realize peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region as well as in the international community, and that both countries would like to further strengthen cooperation in various fields.
In response, the DCM expressed his desire to strengthen cooperation with Japan, including the high-speed rail project being implemented in Maharashtra.
https://twitter.com/Dev_Fadnavis/status/1694264910648390020?s=20
Call for Vice-Minister for MLIT
The DCM called for Mr. NISHIDA Shoji, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. They exchanged views on cooperation between Japan and India in the high-speed rail project, Dedicated Freight Corridor and the Mumbai Trans-Harbour Link.
https://twitter.com/Dev_Fadnavis/status/1694249004660556037
Call for METI Minister
The DCM called for Mr. Yasutoshi Nishimura, Minister for Economy, Trade and Industry.
During the meeting, they confirmed the importance of infrastructure development for high-speed rail, Dedicated Freight Corridor, the Mumbai Trans-Harbour Link, and the Mumbai Metro, which Japan is supporting through ODA, and the importance of promoting further investment in Maharashtra, the largest economic city in India.
https://twitter.com/Dev_Fadnavis/status/1694640359756960070
Meeting with Special Advisor to the PM
The DCM visited the Prime Minister’s office and met Dr. Masafumi Mori, Special Advisor to the PM.
They exchanged views on Mumbai–Ahmedabad High Speed Rail Corridor (MAHSR) project, Versova Virar Sea Link (VVSL) project, Mumbai Metro Line 3 and 11, and Mumbai Flood Mitigation Project among others. Dr. Mori encouraged better cooperation and indicated support for key infrastructure initiatives.
https://twitter.com/Dev_Fadnavis/status/1694712404423377120
Meeting with JICA Senior Vice President
One of his most important purposes of this trip was to negotiate with JICA about the proposed VVSL project. It is still an early stage of project formation, but all discussions indicate that if Govt. Of India pushes this project forward then JICA will be keen to evaluate it. If this project goes through then it will be based on this meeting by The DCM Mr. Fadnavis where he explained the strategic importance of the project with his passion to JICA decision makers.
https://twitter.com/Dev_Fadnavis/status/1694675514823438593
Meeting with JETRO Chairman
JETRO is of course the most important governmental organization to talk about trade and investment. This meeting laid the ground for expanding trade and investment between Japan and Maharashtra.
https://twitter.com/Dev_Fadnavis/status/1694293935278133543
Meeting with JRE-CEO, NTTDATA, Inc.-Executive Vice President, Sumitomo President, JERA, Nippon Insurance, SONY, Mitsubishi Electric-GVP, etc.
The DCM met those top business leaders in Japan. Such energetic efforts of Top-Sales by the DCM will lead to new investments from Japan to Maharashtra which will create many jobs for the benefit of general public in Maharashtra. Almost all companies indicated their willingness to invest in the State with some announcing their investments as well.
https://twitter.com/Dev_Fadnavis/status/1694161004815614056
https://twitter.com/Dev_Fadnavis/status/1694585659510620660
https://twitter.com/Dev_Fadnavis/status/1694725030490640811
https://twitter.com/Dev_Fadnavis/status/1694726966082195605
https://twitter.com/Dev_Fadnavis/status/1695031127852118464
https://twitter.com/Dev_Fadnavis/status/1695039136015745483
Visit to Wakayama
Apart from those business-oriented meetings, the DCM did not forget friendship with Wakayama prefecture, the sister prefecture of Maharashtra. He renewed his friendship ties with Mr. Shuhei Kishimoto, the Governor of Wakayama Prefecture and others.
A visit to the prestigious Koyasan University was also undertaken where the Dean Mr. Soeda conferred Honorary Doctorate on the DCM. The delegation also visited renowned Okunoin Temple, a mausoleum of Kobo Daishi (Kukai), the founder of Shingon sect of Buddhism.
https://twitter.com/Dev_Fadnavis/status/1693994699760308232
https://twitter.com/Dev_Fadnavis/status/1693980677308641355
Bullet Train Ride to Kyoto
The DCM traveled by the iconic Shinkansen bullet train from Tokyo to Kyoto and experienced the speed, comfort and precision!
In Kyoto, the DCM visited the famous Kinkauji Temple as well. This allowed him to better appreciate the historical significance of Kyoto in Japan’s history.
https://twitter.com/Dev_Fadnavis/status/1693582464785199212
https://twitter.com/Dev_Fadnavis/status/1693530895112921388
In conclusion, this business-oriented, extremely energetic visit by Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Mr. Fadnavis and his team was very impressive and successful. This visit surely leveled ground and paved a way for the bright future relations between Maharashtra and Japan, particularly in business.
I must say that Mr. Fadnavis is indeed a great statesman, business leader for the State, a future leader of India, and a wonderful human being.
I am very glad that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan chose him as an official guest this year.
Dr. Yasukata Fukahori
Consul-General of Japan in Mumbai
