The northern Indian state of Rajasthan is now poised to facilitate the expansion of the Japanese industrial presence in the state. Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje cleared the decks for the second Japanese industrial zone in the state, which will focus on sectors such as Ceramics and Electronic Systems Design & Manufacturing (ESDM).

Chief Minister Raje is in Japan to launch the global road-show for the Resurgent Rajasthan Partnership Summit to be held on November 19-20 this year in Jaipur, Rajasthan. Japan is the largest foreign investor in Rajasthan and the Summit aims at deepening this relationship.

Announcing the second Japanese zone in Rajasthan, Chief Minister Raje said,

“After the resounding success of the first Japanese zone in Neemrana, I am pleased to announce that the Rajasthan Government will develop a second industrial investment zone in Ghiloth in over nearly 500 acres of land. This zone will soon become a hub for the Ceramics and Electronic Systems Design & Manufacturing (ESDM) industries.”

The announcement comes on the heels of the meeting between Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and the Ms. Raje, where the former was extended an invitation for Japan to be a partner state for the Resurgent Rajasthan Partnership Summit. The Summit aims to transform the state through inclusive and comprehensive development and recognises the role that businesses can play in achieving this goal. Raje also informed the gathering that Public Utility status has been granted to the Neemrana Investment Area, thereby prohibiting strikes for the next three years. Moreover, the Government has decided to reduce CST from 2% to 0.25% on sale of goods manufactured by the Units in the two Japanese industrial areas till 31/03/2016 or till introduction of GST (whichever is earlier). In another confidence building measure, Chief Minister announced the setting up of Police Outposts in either of the two investment areas.

Expressing her appreciation, Ms. Raje, said

“Japanese investments in Rajasthan have transformed the state’s economic landscape. We count Japan as one of our foremost partners in progress. Rajasthan is poised to take a giant leap forward in industrialisation and we are keen that Japan, our tried and trusted ally, partners us in this enterprise”.

The Chief Minister today also met with a number of Japanese business leaders to discuss investment opportunities in the state. Some of the notable names include, SoftBank, Toshiba, Koyo Holdings and Yazaki.

The Rajasthan State Industrial Development and Investment Corporation (RIICO), which is charged with the development of the second Japanese economic zone, is aiming to initiate allotment of land this month. Elaborating on the benefits to industry, Ms. Veenu Gupta, Principal Secretary-Industry, Government of Rajasthan and Managing Director, RIICO, said, “The second Japanese zone adjoins the first one established by RIICO in Neemrana. The zone will benefit from a ready supply chain of all types of raw material used in the production of Ceramic products and has pipeline connectivity of natural gas. It is also situated in the National Capital Region which includes Delhi, a major consumption hub”.

She also stated that the government was keen to incubate the ESDM industry in the state and investments to the sector had already started flowing in.

Rajasthan has reached out to Japan following the recent meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, where the two countries agreed to double Japan’s foreign direct investment in India in five years and work closely towards further expanding their bilateral trade.

Resurgent Rajasthan is a part of Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje’s vision to transform the state through inclusive and comprehensive development. Rajasthan recognises the role that businesses can play in achieving this goal. Therefore, it is placing special emphasis on deepening engagement and forging partnerships.

The biggest showcase of the special economic relationship between Japan and Rajasthan is the Japanese Zone in Neemrana, Rajasthan. The outcome of a memorandum of understanding between the Rajasthan State Industrial Development & Investment Corporation Limited (RIICO) and JETRO, the 1167 acre zone is the first and the only one of its kind in India. Today 45 companies have invested more than US$ 670 million in this zone. These companies include Daikin, Nissin Brake, Mytex Polymer and Nippon Pipe, among others.

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Later in the afternoon, CM Raje addressed a select group of parliamentarians and diplomats on Women’s Empowerment. Talking to the gathering at the Indian Embassy in Tokyo, Chief Minister explained how she has been working towards empowerment of women. In a vigorous discussion, thoughts were exchanged on reproductive and child health, women’s sanitation, education, financial inclusion and more. Diplomats from Uganda, Togo and representatives of various women groups of japan gave Smt. Raje a standing ovation and said that they were willing to learn from Rajasthan’s experience in these fields.

About Resurgent Rajasthan Partnership Summit

The Resurgent Rajasthan Partnership Summit, scheduled to be held in Jaipur, Rajsthan, India on November 19-20, 2015, will bring together leading investors from all over the world for interacting with policy makers, including the political leadership, government officials and local business leaders on the investment environment and opportunities in Rajasthan. The summit will have thematic seminars, conventions, panel discussions, discussion forums, B2B & B2G meetings, exhibition pavilions and other networking programmes. The state government expects a significant surge in global investor interest and definite commitment to invest as a result of the Resurgent Rajasthan Partnership Summit.

Tokyo, April 7 2015