Hokkaido and Maharashtra are set to strengthen their collaboration on human resource exchange. This move follows a recent meeting between Hokkaido Vice Governor Takayuki Kano and Maharashtra's Skill Development Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha. The discussion focused on implementing the India and Japan Human Resource Exchange Action Plan.
Ambitious Goals for Talent Mobility
The national plan has a bold target. It aims to facilitate the movement of 500,000 people between India and Japan over the next five years. A significant part of this initiative involves sending 50,000 skilled Indian professionals to Japan. These workers will help address labor shortages in key Japanese sectors like information technology, manufacturing, and healthcare.
High Demand for Skilled Indian Youth
Minister Lodha highlighted the strong Japanese demand for skilled Indian youth. He emphasized the importance of Japanese language training for these individuals. "There is significant demand in Japan for skilled youth trained in Japanese language," Lodha stated. He pointed to the Swami Vivekanand Skill Development Institute in Vidyavihar as a key provider of this essential training.
"Through appropriate skill training and Japanese language education provided by the Swami Vivekanand Skill Development Institute at Vidyavihar, the youth will become capable of international employment," Lodha explained. This preparation is crucial for ensuring Indian workers can succeed in the Japanese job market.
Hokkaido's Strategic Role
Vice Governor Takayuki Kano stressed Hokkaido's importance in expanding this bilateral exchange. "Hokkaido is also important to expand this exchange with India," Kano said. He noted that the connection with Hokkaido is just beginning, but the timing is perfect for growth.
"The relationship has only begun but the timing is crucial," Kano added. "We will look to deepen the relationship with Maharashtra and Hokkaido. We will work with officials from the Skill Development department of Maharashtra to advance the talent exchange."
Promoting Hokkaido in India
The Hokkaido government is actively working to raise its profile in India. A recent reception in Mumbai, hosted by the Consulate-General of Japan in collaboration with Hokkaido, showcased the prefecture's rich food culture and products. Consul-General YAGI Koji spoke at the event, highlighting Hokkaido's agricultural and marine bounty.
"Hokkaido is the northernmost part of Japan, and it is one of the best-known places in Japan for its excellent agricultural and marine products," YAGI Koji said. He mentioned specific ingredients like scallops, rice, and cheese that come from the region's fertile lands and seas.
Political Support and Future Plans
This initiative enjoys strong political backing. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Japanese counterpart have both emphasized promoting state-prefecture relationships. They have also set new targets for human resource exchange between the two nations.
Consul-General YAGI Koji reiterated the plan's scope. "50,000 highly skilled Indian talent from India and Japan and 5 lakh mutual exchange is part of the plan," he said. "Maharashtra is very keen to promote such human resource exchange. So they will try and promote this human exchange."
The collaboration promises to boost economic ties and enhance talent mobility for skilled professionals and students alike. It represents a concrete step in strengthening the strategic partnership between India and Japan.
