Gehlot invites Japanese firms to invest in petrochemical, skill sectors

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Thursday invited Japanese companies to invest in Barmer petrochemical complex and sectors like skill development, while underlining the positive approach of the firms for investment in the state.

He said that the Japanese companies have made investments in the state in the past and now they should write another chapter by investing in the petrochemical complex being constructed in Barmer and other sectors, including skill development.

The chief minister was speaking at an MoU signing ceremony held in Alwar district's Neemrana industrial area.

The memorandums of understanding (MoUs) were signed by 11 Japanese companies with a total investment of Rs 1,338 crore, according to an official release.

It will generate employment opportunities for 2,272 persons in different sectors, the release said.

Gehlot said that the government will extend its support to Japanese companies for opening skill development centres.

Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had visited Japan 2005 during which Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC) was conceptualized, the chief minister said, adding that the Japanese Zone at Neemrana is also a part of DMIC.

He said that the priority of the state government is that work should be done in a planned manner on the portion of DMIC passing through the state.

Speaking on the occasion, ambassador of Japan to India Satoshi Suzuki said that the number of Japanese companies working in the state was 10 in 2008 which increased to 170 in 2021.

He said India and Japan share fundamental values like rule of law and democracy.

Industry minister Shakuntala Rawat and other state government officials and representatives of Japanese companies were present on the occasion.