Tamil Nadu CM Stalin Signs MoUs With Japan, Singapore Based Firms

Tamil Nadu Chief minister MK Stalin urged Japanese businesses on Friday to diversify their investments in Tamil Nadu by focusing on the development of industrial infrastructure and research and development (R&D).

Stalin is in Osaka as part of his two-nation tour of Singapore and Japan to attract more investments to Tamil Nadu and invite leaders of firms for a global investors’ meet in Chennai to be held in January 2024. He arrived in Japan on Thursday night.

According to a release from the state government, Stalin signed an agreement in Osaka with Daicel Safety Systems for the expansion of Daicel's auto airbag inflator facility in Tamil Nadu's Chengalpattu district.

On 24 and 25 May, he signed six MoUs with Singapore-based companies. “In the city of Osaka, I’ve highlighted the longstanding ties between Tamil Nadu and Japan and the areas of opportunity to boost them further,” Stalin said.

Later that day, he recounted his trip to Tokyo in 2008 to ask Japan for financial support when speaking at the 'Investors' First Port of Call' in Osaka. Japan has consistently provided support to Tamil Nadu when needed, the chief minister added, whether it be for the Hogenakkal Combined Water Supply Scheme or the Chennai Metro. "Recently, there has been a dramatic change in the economic ties between India and Japan. Additionally, Tamil Nadu is India's most popular state for Japanese investments, according to Stalin.

As per the statement, the event was attended by Nikhilesh Chandra Giri, consul-general of India to Osaka, about 80 Japanese companies and the Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO). Officials of the Tamil Nadu industries department and minister TRB Rajaa spoke to Japanese industry leaders about the southern state’s industrial capabilities.