Japanese Ambassador Hiramatsu today said the “Global Investors Meet 2019” is a great initiative, shedding a bright light for the future of Tamil Nadu to guide prospective investors.
Speaking at the inaugural of Global Investors Meet in Chennai on Wednesday, he said, "Japan is participating as a partner country for the second time in a row to further promote business activities in this beautiful southern State. More than 100 Japanese business people from 45 companies are participating in this investment event."
He said he would like to specially congratulate Edappadi Palaniswami, Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, for his contribution towards the prosperity of the state. Tamil Nadu is the sixth largest state of India by population, but its economy is the second largest. I am confident that, under his leadership, Tamil Nadu will make a further stride, he added. He said: "Indeed, Tamil Nadu is thriving with manufacturing and other industries. Chennai is buzzing with the 4th largest population in India and has been a gateway of south India, with three trade ports including Chennai port. As we gather here, I sense a huge untapped potential of this State and this City. A single stroke of new initiative can trigger a very positive change, sending vibes across south India.
That is why I am pleased to announce today that the Japanese airline company ANA (All Nippon Airways) will start 7-days-a-week direct flight services between Narita and Chennai from this October. I am confident this new connectivity will pave the way for new business and investment opportunities for Japanese companies. This direct flight has been a dream for a long time for Japanese companies in south India.
They are excited by this news and are committed to expand their business activities in the region. I am grateful to ANA for its forward-looking decision. This new service will also provide enhanced convenience to passengers, including those travelling via Narita. With its rich religious and cultural heritage, Tamil Nadu will become a closer destination for tourists.
As more people visit Tamil Nadu and south India from Japan, local economies will gain and we will build further friendship. Soon we will start a full-fledged campaign to promote the tourist flows between Tamil Nadu and Japan with the help of the State Government."
According to the envoy, historically, commercial engagement between Japan and Tamil Nadu started with cotton. In 1889, governmental envoys from Japan visited Tamil Nadu to learn about the cotton industries here. Since then, our economic ties have expanded and deepened considerably. Now, Chennai serves as a hub of the automotive industry in India, where companies like Yamaha and Nissan are actively participating. Currently, out of 1,441 Japanese companies operating in India, 201 are present in Tamil Nadu. What is more, they are diversifying from automobile sector to food processing and service sectors. And small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are coming into the State as well.
He concluded: "There is so much potential for Japan and Tamil Nadu to advance together. A new gate of opportunity is opening as shown by new direct flight services by ANA. I hope this summit will further boost tangible outcomes, and I would like to offer my best wishes for its great success."
