Imphal | In a historic initiative aimed at elevating the India–Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership, the Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, led India’s largest-ever business delegation to Japan, comprising more than 200 business leaders, entrepreneurs, startup founders and industry representatives from across the country. The landmark mission reflected India’s growing economic ambitions and underscored Japan’s continuing importance as one of India’s most trusted strategic and development partners.

Manipur was represented by Haobam Joyremba, Managing Director of CubeTen Technologies Pvt. Ltd., who is also the Chairman of the Manipur CII, along with Yambem Roshni, Managing Director of Globizs and Ramananda Nongmeikapam, Registrar of Manipur Technical University, who participated in a series of high-level business engagements, sectoral discussions and networking sessions with Japanese stakeholders.

The delegation was jointly organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) in collaboration with the Government of India and leading Japanese industry organisations.

Significantly, the delegation included 28 representatives from the Northeastern states. The visit brought together an impressive spectrum of Japanese institutions, policymakers and industry leaders. Key stakeholders included representatives from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC), the Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry, leading Japanese corporations, technology companies, financial institutions, manufacturing associations, innovation agencies and trade promotion organisations. The extensive participation reflected Japan’s strong interest in expanding cooperation with India across multiple sectors.

A significant emphasis was placed on skilled workforce mobility, particularly in light of Japan’s ageing population and increasing demand for trained professionals. Discussions focused on creating pathways for Indian youth to access employment opportunities in Japan across sectors such as engineering, information technology, healthcare, manufacturing, construction and caregiving. Skill development, language training and certification mechanisms were identified as key enablers for future collaboration.

For Manipur, the visit carried special significance. Sharing a unique historical bond with Japan dating back to the Second World War, the state has emerged over the years as an important symbol of peace, reconciliation and friendship through initiatives such as the Imphal Peace Museum and various Indo-Japan cultural exchange programmes.

Joyremba noted that while several Northeastern states have successfully attracted Japanese development assistance and investment, Manipur remains largely outside the ambit of major Japanese-funded development projects.

“It is encouraging to witness the strong engagement between Japan and the Northeastern region. However, it is equally important to recognise that Manipur, despite its deep historical, cultural and emotional connection with Japan, has yet to receive significant development assistance through JICA-supported projects,” Joyremba remarked.

He pointed out that Assam has benefited from JICA-assisted projects worth well over ₹1,500 crore across sectors such as infrastructure, water supply and urban development, while Meghalaya upto 877 Crore, Tripura 1400 crore plus, and investment in Mizoram, Tripura and Nagaland. 

In contrast, Manipur presently has little or no major JICA-funded development project, despite its strategic location and longstanding relationship with Japan. “Manipur possesses enormous potential. Our young talent, strategic location, historical association with Japan and growing digital capabilities make us an ideal destination for future collaborations. We hope this mission becomes the beginning of a stronger partnership that translates into meaningful investments and sustainable development for our state,” he said.

As India and Japan continue to deepen their strategic partnership, the outcomes of the visit are expected to strengthen bilateral trade, encourage greater investments, promote technology partnerships and create new opportunities in sectors that will define the future of both economies.

For Manipur, the delegation represented far more than participation in an international business mission. It served as an opportunity to present the state’s aspirations before some of Japan’s most influential institutions and decision-makers, while reiterating the need for stronger developmental partnerships.

With its unique historical ties, strategic geographic location and emerging strengths in technology and innovation, Manipur has every opportunity to become an important pillar of the evolving India–Japan relationship. The hope now is that these discussions will translate into concrete collaborations, greater investments and long-term partnerships that contribute meaningfully to the state’s economic growth and reinforce the enduring friendship between the people of India and Japan.