Japan plans to increase number of Indian visitors: Yuji Okada

Chennai, Nov 15 (UNI) Planning to increase the number of Indian visitors to the Island nation, the Japanese government officials had started negotiations with the Indian authorities concerned, Consulate General of Japan in Chennai Yuji Okada said today.

Talking to newspersons here, on the sidelines of a function organised by HCL Technologies to present graduation certificates to 24 students, who had completed the Japanese language-training programme, Mr Okada said ''We are negotiating with the Indian authorities for smooth issuance of visas. It would be ideal for both the countries to have an understanding on the issue.'' He said the Japanese airline operators were also negotiating with the Indian authorities to operate more flights from Japan to India.

Pointing out that the country was suffering from shortage of manpower due to ageing, Mr Okada said, ''We want more talented manpower to work in our country. As more than two lakh professionals pass out from different colleges in India, they will be the right people to work there.'' About bi-lateral relations between two countries, he said both the governments were working hand-in-hand to strengthen the bi-lateral relationship.

''The number of Japanese companies in India has increased from 238 in 2003 to 328 in 2006. However, Japan's trade and investment in India does not reflect the pace of growth of the Indian economy,'' he added.

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