Looking forward to Jammu and Kashmir as a business opportunity: Ambassador of Japan to India

At an interactive session at The Bengal Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Hiramatsu said, "Yes of course we are looking forward to Jammu and Kashmir as a business opportunity. I hope the situation there gets stabilised as soon as possible.......In future, we are definitely looking forward as a major opportunity."

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Centre on Monday scrapped Articles 370 and 35A which had given a special status to Jammu and Kashmir. Due to the special status, non permanent residents could buy a piece of land in Jammu and Kashmir.

Hiramatsu also spoke about the need for industrialisation in West Bengal, the eastern state of the country.

"The eastern part of India will provide opportunity for job. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had said her state is the gateway of South Asia. Darjeeling here is very famous. We would like to do more business in Darjeeling," said Hiramatsu.

But also the Ambassador stressed on the importance of skill development which the state as well as the country needs.

"Skill development is very important in making industries," he said. He also proposed Japan's Technology Training Programme is one way to reduce the skill gap.

Hiramatsu stated Japanese companies are working much in the southern India like in Chennai and Bengaluru.

The Japanese Consulate has stated 19 Japanese companies and 209 Japanese establishments are working in Kolkata, the capital city of West Bengal.