New Delhi, July 22, 2024.

A delegation from Osaka, Japan led by Vice Governor of Osaka Prefecture,Mr. Yamaguchi Nobuhiko, visited Kaushal Bhawan, New Delhi and engaged in strategic discussions with Government of India led by Shri Atul Kumar Tiwari, Secretary, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) along with other officials from MSDE, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC).The discussions focussed on enhancing economic and human resource collaborations between Osaka Prefectureand India in the field of skill development aiming to enhance the global career opportunities for Indian youth.

Both countries embrace a shared vision of fostering international mobility as a central pillar of their partnership. Their joint initiatives in the field of skill development have been crucial towards uplifting the already strong relations between the two countries. Under the India-Japan MoC signed in 2016, Japanese companies have established 35 Japan-India Institute of Manufacturing (JIM) across various States in India and 12 Japanese Endowed Courses (JEC) in Indian Engineering Colleges. India and Japan also cooperate under Technical Intern Training Programme (TITP) and Specified Skilled Worker (SSW)to enable Indian candidates to work in Japan in different sectors. Their collective vision is rooted in the firm belief that a globally competent workforce is paramount in tackling the challenges and capitalizing on the opportunities of the 21st century.

During the dialogue, the Vice Governor Osaka shared their ongoing initiatives and welcomed Indian talentto explore emerging opportunities, including at the Expo 2025 to be held in Osaka.Mr. Nobuhiko Yamaguchi, Vice Governor, Osaka Prefectural Government, said, "Osaka aims to expand economic and human resource exchange with India, leveraging our central location and thriving business environment. We are eager to welcome more skilled people from India to Osaka for various opportunities. Our city hosts professionals from various sectors, including healthcare, and we see great potential for increased collaboration. We invite Indian students and professionals to take advantage of the affordable living and supportive community Osaka offers. This visit will strengthen our industrial, business, and cultural connections, fostering mutual growth and understanding."

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Atul Kumar Tiwari, Secretary, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship said, “India-Japan bilateral partnerships, especially in areas of skill development, hold immense promise. The World Expo 2025 will bring significant employment opportunities to Osaka. We are delighted to hear that Osaka is committed to facilitating a seamless exchange of resources between our nations. This collaboration will open doors for countless skilled professionals. We are dedicated to promoting ethical migration,

which will, in turn, foster stronger diplomatic relations. Together, we can achieve mutual growth and prosperity.”

Shri Ved Mani Tiwari, CEO, NSDC and Managing Director, NSDC International, said "Our countries share more than business ties; our people-to-people connections can bridge cultures and foster mutual growth. Together, we can build centres of excellence in India, where Indian youth can embrace Japanese work culture. Through this forum, we are committed to developing the infrastructure to train Indian youth in Japan. Imagine a future where engines made in Japan are crafted by Indian hands."

In January 2018, NSDC was appointed to monitor the TITP program and to support Sending Organizations. Since then, the Sending Organizations have been focusing on creating a quality pool of candidates to train them in technical skills, Japanese language, lifestyle orientation as per the requirements of Japanese Supervising Organizations.The Vice Governor had a fruitful interaction with the Sending Organizationsand took insights around the key challenges faced by them. He highlighted the facilities and infrastructural advantages in Osaka and promptly addressed all queries of the Sending Organizations.

Secretary, MSDE concluded the discussions and assured India’s commitment towards facilitating safe, ethical migration, benefiting both nations.

The event was attended by key dignitaries including Shri Atul Kumar Tiwari, Secretary, MSDE; Ms. Sonal Mishra, Joint Secretary, MSDE;Prof. Ashok Kumar Chawla, Advisor (Japan), MEA; Shri Ved Mani Tiwari, CEO NSDC and Managing Director, NSDC International; Mr. MAEDA Shinichi, Executive Director, Growth Industry Promotion Office, Department of Commerce, Industry and Labor, Osaka Prefectural Government; Ms. SAWADA Miyuki, Deputy Director International Business and Start-up Support Division, Growth Industry Promotion Office, Department of Commerce, Industry and Labor, Osaka Prefectural Government; Ms. ZUSA Misaki, Assistant Manager International Business and Start-up Support Division, Growth Industry Promotion Office, Department of Commerce, Industry and Labor, Osaka Prefectural Government; Mr. ARAKI Hidehito, Director-Japanese Business UJA Global Advisory Pvt. Ltd and Shri Ajay Kumar Raina, Group General Counsel, NSDC and Director & COO, NSDC International.