The Hindu Business Line : Japanese companies keen to invest in Rajasthan

The Rajasthan Government has invited Japanese companies to invest in the Nemarana Special Economic Zone, the Japanese Ambassador to India, Mr Yasukuni Enoki, said on Thursday.

"There are many Japanese companies mainly from the auto component sector that are interested in going to Rajasthan.

"In the next couple of months, we can expect to see some formal announcements in this regard," the Ambassador, said at a press conference.

Commenting on India-Japan economic relations, Mr Yasukuni said that Japanese companies were now looking to make India an exporting base.

Port facility

The Ambassador also indicated that Japan was keen on having a port for exporting cars made by its companies.

"The port in Mumbai is full. As most of the Japanese companies are coming up here it would be beneficial if the port comes up anywhere between Delhi and Mumbai," Mr Yasukuni said.

The Ambassador indicated that the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between India and Japan was of significance as the combined Gross Domestic Produce of the two nations accounted for almost 60 per cent of Asian GDP.

"In the next one or two decades, inevitably India's GDP will increase while that of Japan could come down. However, the combined GDP will remain at around 60 per cent of Asia.

"Through the CEPA initiative we would be able to give direction to Asian economic integration," Mr Yasukuni said.

Joint task force

The Ambassador said that the first joint task force meeting of the Economic Partnership Agreement and CEPA was to be held here in January 31.

Besides during the year a series of high-level visits, including a possible visit by the Japanese Prime Minister, Mr Shinzo Abe and the Minister for International Trade and Industry, were likely to take place.

"There will be some important elections during the year, which could be decisive for the political stability of the Government.

"After that the Prime Minister Mr Abe may visit India, which could probably be sometime in the second half of this year. However, this is my guesswork," Mr Yasukuni added.

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