Bhubaneswar, 20 May (H.S.): The Consul General of Japan in Kolkata, Ishikawa Yoshihisa, on Wednesday met Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi at Lok Seva Bhavan to discuss measures for strengthening bilateral cooperation between Japan and Odisha across multiple sectors.

During the meeting, Chief Minister Majhi appreciated Japan’s support towards various developmental initiatives in Odisha and highlighted the growing trade relationship between the state and Japan. He expressed hope that Japanese companies would further expand their investments and participation in Odisha’s industrialisation efforts.

Consul General Ishikawa praised the long-standing cultural and historical ties between Odisha and Japan, particularly in the fields of art, heritage and Buddhism. He reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to enhancing cooperation with Odisha in socio-economic development initiatives.

A major outcome of the meeting was the decision to establish a “Sister State” partnership between Odisha and Japan’s Tottori Prefecture. Both sides agreed that high-level delegations would exchange visits in the coming months. The formal declaration of the partnership is expected to be made jointly by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and the Governor of Tottori Prefecture at a later stage.

The discussions also focused on strengthening collaboration in trade, investment, technology, tourism and academic exchanges. Both sides identified Odisha’s Buddhist circuit and natural tourist destinations as key areas for expanding tourism cooperation with Japan.

In addition, it was decided that Japanese recruitment agencies would visit Odisha to create greater employment opportunities for Odia youth in Japan.

Among those present during the meeting were Chief Secretary Anu Garg, Additional Chief Secretary of Industries Hemant Sharma and Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Saswat Mishra.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda