TBM Staff - Mumbai Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) and Wakayama Prefecture of Japan completed ten years of cordial relations. The Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Eknath Shinde signed the MoU renewal agreement with the Governor of Wakayama, Kishimoto Shuhei, in the presence of the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis, Mangal Prabhat Lodha, Minister of Tourism, Skill Development & Entrepreneurship and Women & Child Development, GoM, and other dignitaries.
The MoU between the two is renewed for the next five years – until October 2028.
Speaking at the occasion, Shinde, said, “It is an auspicious occasion as we mark a decade of friendly relations of Maharashtra and Wakayama Prefecture of Japan. We look forward to strengthening this relationship with mutual understanding and learning with the exchange of ideas in the areas of tourism, agro-industries, food processing, and other avenues with a shared interest.”
In his address, Fadnavis, highlighted, “The cordial relations between Maharashtra and Wakayama Prefecture of Japan have flourished in a decade. I consider myself fortunate to witness it closely. It is an honour that Bharat Ratna Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar’s statue is installed at Koyasan University in Wakayama. We have always focused on cross-cultural relations and holistic development through cooperation.”
Emphasizing the ten years of bilateral ties between Maharashtra and Wakayama Prefecture of Japan, Shuhei, said, “I’m delighted to be a part of this MoU renewal ceremony, marking 10 years of a strong friendship with Maharashtra. The friendly relations between Maharashtra and Wakayama started in 2013, and since then the relations between the two have grown stronger. It is our honor to have the statue of Bharat Ratna Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar installed at Koyasan University in Wakayama. During the ceremony, we witnessed traditional games of both sides ‘Kusti’ and ‘Sumo’; we look forward to strengthening our ties in sports as well.”
Lodha, highlighting the potential of Maharashtra in the sector of Tourism, said, “As a part of the bilateral ties between Maharashtra and Wakayama, several initiatives have taken place over the last ten years that have contributed to the various sectors, including tourism of Maharashtra. The most notable amongst many is the installation of Bharat Ratna Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar’s statue in Koyasan University Wakayama, which signifies the deepening relations.”
The MoU has helped good relations between the states, cross-cultural understanding, promotion of Tourism, best practices training, and bilateral ties in general. It has been hailed as one of the most successful MoUs in Japan with an Indian State.
