Bhubaneswar, Nov 11: In a step towards strengthening Odisha–Japan relations, the state government and the Tottori Prefectural Government of Japan today signed a friendship agreement, establishing a framework for long-term cooperation in economic development, industry, entrepreneurship, skill development, tourism, culture and people-to-people exchange.

The agreements were signed between Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Governor of Tottori Prefecture Shinji Hirai at Lok Seva Bhawan, Bhubaneswar.

The occasion also witnessed the signing of two important Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between institutions from Odisha and Tottori, focusing on startup collaboration, business linkages and human resource development. The agreements mark an important milestone in translating the growing relationship between Odisha and Japan into tangible opportunities for industries, enterprises and young people.

As many as 80 Japanese delegates from industries, technical institutions, banking and financial institutions, and trade and commerce attended the event.

Addressing the gathering, CM Majhi welcomed the Governor and the visiting delegation and described the friendship agreement as an important milestone in bringing the people, institutions and communities of Odisha and Tottori closer. Highlighting the longstanding India–Japan relationship founded on trust, mutual respect and shared civilisational connections, he said that Odisha and Tottori now have an opportunity to build a strong regional partnership.

The Chief Minister invited Japanese businesses to explore Odisha’s MSMEs, startups, industrial clusters and skilled workforce.

He emphasised that the partnership should translate into meaningful outcomes, including business collaborations, employment opportunities, student exchanges, tourism and cultural connections.

He also highlighted the presence of established Japanese companies in Odisha, including Indo Nissin, Nippon Steel, JFE Steel, Krosaki, TYK, Yokohama, IHI and Toray.

Governor of Tottori Prefecture Shinji Hirai highlighted the importance of building a lasting partnership through economic cooperation, cultural exchange and closer engagement between businesses and people.

He emphasised on the huge potential for expanding collaboration between Odisha and Tottori and creating new avenues for mutual growth.

Minister for Industries Sampad Chandra Swain highlighted the importance of aligning industrial growth with skill development.

He said that “Odisha’s partnership with Tottori Prefecture will strengthen industrial cooperation, technology exchange and investment linkages while advancing skill development and technical education. Through the World Skill Center partnership, we aim to provide industry-aligned vocational training in manufacturing and nursing care, supported by Japanese-language training, creating global employment pathways for our youth. The collaboration through Startup Odisha will promote business matchmaking, startup exchanges, mentoring and investor connections, translating shared strengths into innovation and economic opportunities.”

Minister for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Gokula Nanda Mallik emphasised the potential for Odisha’s MSMEs and startups to develop meaningful business relationships with Tottori through technology partnerships, joint product development, manufacturing linkages, market access and the exchange of business practices. He invited entrepreneurs from Japan to explore opportunities with Odisha’s growing enterprise ecosystem.

Earlier, Additional Chief Secretary, Industries, Hemant Sharma, provided the context for the proposed Friendship Agreement and highlighted the expanding partnership between Odisha and Japan. He underscored the importance of strengthening institutional cooperation and creating sustained avenues for collaboration across sectors.

Two MoUs to strengthen institutional cooperation

The first MoU was exchanged between Startup Odisha and the Director of Industries, Tottori Prefecture, to promote business matching, startup exchanges, accelerator programmes, mentoring and stronger connections among enterprises and investors from both regions. The collaboration is expected to facilitate cross-border entrepreneurial engagement, technology partnerships and access to new markets.

Also Read: Commerce Secretary reviews Gopalpur Port’s infrastructure, expansion plans

The second MoU was exchanged between the World Skill Center, Bhubaneswar, and Tottori Prefecture, involving Nihon Edutech, with a focus on human resource development. The partnership envisages vocational training aligned with the requirements of businesses in Tottori, particularly in manufacturing and nursing care, along with Japanese-language training and corporate information sessions. It aims to create pathways for Odisha’s skilled youth to access international exposure and employment opportunities in Japan.

The Friendship Agreement provides for cooperation in economy, personnel exchange, youth exchange, tourism, culture and environment. It specifically encourages exchanges between small and medium businesses, promotion of local specialties, student exchanges and mutual promotion of tourist destinations.