India and Japan forge Strategic Discussion for Strengthening Competencies for Global Careers

In a recent strategic discussion, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), and Osaka Prefecture, Japan, focused on enhancing global career opportunities for Indian youth. The meeting, led by key officials from both India and Osaka, aimed to strengthen economic and human resource collaboration in skill development.

The discussions focused on enhancing economic and human resource collaborations between Osaka Prefecture and India, with the aim of improving global career opportunities for Indian youth.

The delegation engaged in strategic discussions with Indian officials, including Shri Atul Kumar Tiwari, Secretary of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), along with representatives from MSDE, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), and the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC).

Both nations share a vision of fostering international mobility as a cornerstone of their partnership. Their joint initiatives in skill development have significantly strengthened the already robust relations between the two countries.

India-Japan Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) 2016:

• Japanese companies have established 35 Japan-India Institutes of Manufacturing (JIM) across various Indian states.
• 12 Japanese Endowed Courses (JEC) have been introduced in Indian engineering colleges.

Collaborative Programs:

• Technical Intern Training Programme (TITP): Facilitates Indian candidates working in Japan across various sectors.
• Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) Initiative: Enables skilled Indian professionals to work in Japan.

Shared Vision:

• Emphasis on developing a globally competent workforce.
• Focus on addressing 21st-century challenges and seizing new opportunities through enhanced international mobility.

During the dialogue, Vice Governor of Osaka Prefecture, Mr. Yamaguchi Nobuhiko highlighted ongoing initiatives and extended an invitation for Indian talent to explore emerging opportunities, including those at Expo 2025 in Osaka. Mr. Nobuhiko Yamaguchi commented, “Osaka aims to expand economic and human resource exchanges with India, leveraging our central location and dynamic business environment. We are eager to welcome more skilled professionals from India to Osaka. Our city offers opportunities in various sectors, including healthcare, and provides an affordable living environment and supportive community. This visit will bolster our industrial, business, and cultural ties, fostering mutual growth and understanding.”

The event was attended by notable dignitaries including Shri Atul Kumar Tiwari, Secretary of MSDE; Ms. Sonal Mishra, Joint Secretary of MSDE; Prof. Ashok Kumar Chawla, Advisor (Japan) at MEA; Shri Ved Mani Tiwari, CEO of NSDC and Managing Director of NSDC International; Mr. MAEDA Shinichi, Executive Director of Growth Industry Promotion Office, Osaka Prefectural Government; Ms. SAWADA Miyuki, Deputy Director of International Business and Start-up Support Division, Osaka Prefectural Government; Ms. ZUSA Misaki, Assistant Manager of International Business and Start-up Support Division, Osaka Prefectural Government; Mr. ARAKI Hidehito, Director of Japanese Business at UJA Global Advisory Pvt. Ltd; and Shri Ajay Kumar Raina, Group General Counsel of NSDC and Director & COO of NSDC International.

Shri Atul Kumar Tiwari, Secretary of MSDE, remarked, “The India-Japan bilateral partnership, especially in skill development, holds immense promise. With the World Expo 2025 approaching, significant employment opportunities will arise in Osaka. We are pleased to see Osaka’s commitment to facilitating a seamless exchange of resources between our nations. This collaboration will open doors for numerous skilled professionals and promote ethical migration, thereby strengthening diplomatic relations. Together, we can achieve mutual growth and prosperity.”

Shri Ved Mani Tiwari, CEO of NSDC and Managing Director of NSDC International, added, “Our countries share more than business ties; our people-to-people connections can bridge cultures and foster mutual growth. We are committed to building centers of excellence in India where Indian youth can embrace Japanese work culture. Through this forum, we aim to develop infrastructure to train Indian youth in Japan. Envision a future where engines made in Japan are crafted by Indian hands.”

Also read: Budget 2024-25 Highlights – Skilling, Employment and Higher Education

Since January 2018, NSDC has overseen the TITP program, focusing on creating a quality pool of candidates by training them in technical skills, Japanese language, and lifestyle orientation as per Japanese Supervising Organizations’ requirements. The Vice Governor’s interaction with the Sending Organizations provided valuable insights into key challenges and highlighted Osaka’s infrastructural advantages, addressing all queries raised.