Shillong, Feb 27: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Thursday highlighted Japan as a vital development partner for the state, with collaborations spanning infrastructure, youth skilling, agriculture, and sustainable livelihoods.

Speaking at the inaugural session of the sixth India-Japan Intellectual Conclave ‘Kizuna’ in Shillong, Sangma said India-Japan relations are built on mutual respect, shared democratic values, and a vision for economic growth and sustainability. He noted that the theme ‘Kizuna’, meaning a lasting connection, reflects the strength of bilateral ties.

Sangma outlined Meghalaya’s growing engagement with Japan beyond infrastructure. Currently, 47 state nurses work in Japan, and a memorandum of understanding with a Japanese firm, signed after his April 2025 visit, aims to train and place 500 youths this year, scaling up to 5,000 over the next five years. A Shillong-based Japanese language center is also facilitating skilled placements, supported by collaborations with Japanese companies.

In agriculture, India’s first commercial shiitake mushroom production facility was launched in Upper Shillong with support from Japan’s YATS company. The facility can produce 150,000 inoculated blocks annually, benefiting more than 1,000 farmers. Meghalaya is also collaborating with Sasaki Sake Brewery to produce local rice-based sake.

Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has invested in state projects, including the MegLIFE initiative restoring 22,500 hectares of forest across 500 villages in 11 districts. JICA is also supporting the renovation of Umiam and Umiam-Umtru Stage-III hydroelectric stations and the construction of a 19-km river bridge connecting Dhubri in Assam to Phulwari in Meghalaya.

Highlighting Meghalaya’s young population, with 74% under 35, Sangma proposed a “Meghalaya-Japan Skill Corridor” to combine local youth energy with Japanese technological expertise. He also showcased cultural connections, such as the Japanese pavilion at the Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival, and encouraged Japanese firms and academics to invest in areas including circular economy, climate resilience, technology, agriculture, and tourism.

The conclave included an exhibition from Imphal Peace Museum and North East Archives. Key attendees were Japan Ambassador to India Ono Keiichi, MEA Secretary N J Gangte, ICWA Acting DDG Takuro Takeuchi, and JICA India Chief Representative.