Japan looks forward to assist in skill enhancing, infra projects in Assam: envoy

Japanese Ambassor to India Satoshi Suzuki said on Monday that his country is looking forward to assist in projects related to enhancing skills and infrastructure in Assam.

For India, development of North East is indispensable and country is mobilising all abundantly available resources in region, including Assam, envoy said.

"Abundant human and natural resources, as well as rich cultural diversity of Assam needs to be tapped to ir full potential," he said at an international convention on Act East Policy and Indo-Japan Cooperation with special focus on Assam.Japan takes a "panoramic view in its diplomacy and this vision is free, open and inclusive at its centre. India's North East, including Assam, plays an important role in this vision", he said.

envoy, who began his speech in Assamese saying how delighted he was to be in state and ended it with 'Joi Aai Asom' (Hail Mor Assam), highlighted various similarities between Japan and Assam and re can be a collaboration between two to boost ir mutual interests.He said that connecting India's eastern border with South East Asia and Bay of Bengal makes sense both economically and strategically.

Japan is alrey supporting several connectivity projects in region which will reduce travelling time and improve connectivity among Bhutan, India and Banglesh.Referring to Guwahati Water Supply Project assisted by Japan International Corporation Agency (JICA), Suzuki said that he was very impressed with progress of project and clean drinking water would soon be supplied to households in city.

On Guwahati sewerage project, he said that this will not only support a more convenient life but also ensure better healthcare and sanitation.

"Due to COVID-19 situation, healthcare and sanitation has assumed great importance and Japan will support se endeavours", he said.

Japan is also committed to human resource development and has collaboration with IIT, Guwahati which will create new eco-system of entrepreneurs in Assam.Acquiring and enhancing skill development through internships and training programmes will also help youths of Assam, he said.

envoy said that his country was also willing to partner with Assam to train its human resources to enable m to avail job opportunities in Japan.

"Abundant natural resources as well as skilled capital will connect youths with new businesses and will also make m globally competitive," Suzuki ded.

He also thanked India for its long good and friendly relations with Japan and said that his country would not have been in a position to get out of ashes of destructions caused by Second World War without help from India.