Bhubaneswar: A high-level Japanese delegation led by Shinji Hirai, Governor of Tottori Prefecture, is set to visit Odisha for three days from November 10 to 12, with plans to strengthen bilateral ties through industrial partnerships, business cooperation, skill development, education and cultural exchanges.
The visit is expected to mark an important step in expanding Odisha’s engagement with Japan, with the two sides set to explore new avenues of collaboration across industry, investment, technology, entrepreneurship and people-to-people exchanges.
A major highlight of the visit will be the proposed signing of a Friendship Agreement between the Government of Odisha and the Tottori Prefectural Government, aimed at establishing a structured framework for long-term cooperation in economic activities, personnel exchanges, youth and student exchanges, tourism, culture and environmental initiatives.
The Japanese delegation will begin its engagements November 10 with an interaction with Odisha’s startup and business ecosystem at Startup Odisha’s O-Hub in Bhubaneswar. The programme will also include a visit to the Central Tool Room and Training Centre (CTTC), followed by a business roundtable bringing together state government representatives, industry bigwigs, Japanese companies operating in the state and business delegates from Tottori Prefecture.
The business interactions are expected to explore investment opportunities and identify areas of mutual interest, particularly in manufacturing, food processing, technology and other emerging sectors. On November 11, the Tottori business delegation will visit the Indo-Nissin facility at the Khordha Food Processing Park to gain first-hand insights into the operations of a Japanese company established in Odisha.
The visit will be followed by the official bilateral programme with the Chief Minister of Odisha, Mohan Charan Majhi, at the State Convention Centre. On November 11, the Japanese representatives will visit the World Skill Centre in Bhubaneswar and interact with students, faculty members and officials, with discussions expected to focus on technical training, skill enhancement and international exposure for young people.
The delegation will also attend a cultural event at Kala Bhoomi in the evening, showcasing the cultural traditions of Odisha and Tottori Prefecture. On November 12, the visiting dignitaries will tour the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Konark Sun Temple, before departing from Bhubaneswar.
Speaking ahead of the visit, Sampad Chandra Swain, Minister for Industries, Skill Development and Technical Education, Government of Odisha, said, “Odisha and Japan have a growing partnership built on mutual trust and shared opportunities.
The visit of the Governor of Tottori Prefecture will provide an important platform to deepen this relationship. Our objective is to translate these engagements into long-term cooperation and opportunities for the people of both regions.”
