Gujarat : Japan eyes Semicon, EV investments in Dholera

Gandhinagar, Gujarat — In a significant push to Indo-Japan economic cooperation, Japan’s Ambassador to India  Ono Keiichi paid a courtesy visit to Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel in Gandhinagar, affirming strong interest from Japanese companies to invest in Gujarat’s semiconductor and EV sectors, particularly in the Dholera Special Investment Region (SIR).

Calling Gujarat the “second home for Japan,” Ambassador Keiichi lauded the state government for offering unwavering support and infrastructure to over 350 Japanese companies operating in Gujarat. During the meeting, he expressed gratitude for the proactive cooperation and investor-friendly environment provided by the state.

“Japan is eager to strengthen its relationship with Gujarat, not just through trade and investment, but also through industrial and cultural collaborations,” said Ambassador Keiichi.

The Ambassador, who is on a three-day visit to Gujarat, toured Dholera SIR and Ahmedabad and met with key industrialists before the official meeting with the Chief Minister. He highlighted Japan’s expertise in the semiconductor sector and the growing interest of Japanese semicon firms to invest in Dholera.

In response, CM Bhupendra Patel reaffirmed Gujarat’s commitment to becoming a semiconductor hub, stating:

“We are working with determination to provide world-class infrastructure to the semiconductor sector within the stipulated timeline. Dholera SIR is being developed with a futuristic vision.”

CM Patel also recalled the 2017 Indo-Japan Summit held in Gandhinagar, where multiple MoUs were signed in the presence of PM Narendra Modi and then Japanese PM Shinzo Abe, many of which have since materialised.

The Ambassador informed that Mizuho Bank is conducting a survey in Dholera for creating a viable semiconductor ecosystem. Discussions also included boosting cooperation on EV manufacturing and accelerating progress on the Ahmedabad-Mumbai Bullet Train Project.

The meeting was attended by senior Gujarat officials including M.K. Das (Additional Chief Secretary),. Mamta Verma (Principal Secretary for Industries), and  Mukesh Patel (Honorary Consul of Japan in Gujarat).

This visit comes as India and Japan celebrate 50 years of diplomatic friendship, reinforcing Gujarat’s role as a bridge between the two nations.