IMPHAL, Dec 20: An official delegation from Japan’s Kagawa Prefectural Assembly visited Manipur with the objective of strengthening bilateral cooperation, particularly in the areas of human resource development and sectoral collaboration.
The delegation had a meeting with Chief Secretary, Government of Manipur along with Secretary (Skills, Labour, Employment and Entrepreneurship), Government of Manipur.
As part of the visit, a meeting was also held with senior officials of the Government of Manipur under the chairmanship of the Additional Chief Secretary, Trade, Commerce and Industries, at the Old Secretariat, Babupara. The meeting provided a platform for detailed discussions on potential areas of mutual interest and collaboration between Manipur and Kagawa Prefecture.
During the meeting, the Head of the Kagawa Delegation and representatives of the Government of Manipur exchanged views on strengthening institutional linkages and fostering people-to-people cooperation.
The delegation made a presentation on Kagawa Prefecture, highlighting its socio-economic profile, industrial strengths, and its growing engagement with foreign human resources.
The delegation outlined the current status of foreign human resource acceptance in Kagawa Prefecture and expressed keen interest in cooperation with Manipur in meeting workforce requirements in key sectors such as agriculture, forestry, construction, manufacturing, wholesale and retail trade, accommodation and food services, and social welfare, with particular emphasis on nursing care.
Given the rising demand for skilled and semi-skilled workers in these sectors, the Japanese side conveyed its willingness to explore structured and mutually beneficial pathways for engagement.
Officials from the Government of Manipur, including representatives from departments of Trade, Commerce and Industries, Health and Family Welfare, Agriculture, Forest, and allied sectors, participated in the discussions and shared Manipur’s perspectives, capabilities, and potential in human resource development, especially in the nursing and healthcare sectors.
The visit marks an important step towards enhancing international cooperation and opening new avenues for employment, skill development, and institutional partnerships between Manipur and Kagawa Prefecture. Both sides expressed optimism that the discussions would pave the way for sustained engagement and concrete outcomes in the near future.
(By Our Correspondent)
