Bhubaneswar, May 20: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi held a high-level meeting with Japan’s Consul General in Kolkata, Ishikawa Yoshihisa, at Lok Seva Bhawan to discuss strengthening bilateral cooperation between Odisha and Japan.
During the discussions, the Chief Minister appreciated Japan’s continued support for development projects in Odisha and expressed interest in expanding Japanese investment in the state, particularly in industrial growth and infrastructure development.
The Japanese Consul General highlighted the longstanding cultural and historical ties between Japan and Odisha and conveyed Japan’s willingness to deepen engagement in socio-economic sectors.
A key outcome of the meeting was the decision to establish a sister-state partnership between Odisha and Japan’s Tottori Prefecture. Both sides agreed to exchange high-level delegations, with formalisation of the partnership expected during a future visit involving the Odisha Chief Minister and the Governor of Tottori.
The two sides also discussed expanding cooperation in trade, investment, technology, and tourism, with special emphasis on the Buddhist heritage circuit and Odisha’s natural attractions.
Additionally, it was agreed that Japanese recruitment agencies would explore opportunities in Odisha to enhance overseas employment prospects for youth.
Senior state officials, including the Chief Secretary, Additional Chief Secretary (Industries), and Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister, were present at the meeting.