Date:31/03/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/03/31/stories/2006033118770500.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Malaysia-based Japanese firms to visit Chennai in April

Special Correspondent

CHENNAI: The Chennai-based Indo-Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IJCCI) is preparing to receive a group of Malaysia-based Japanese companies as part of its continuing efforts to bring Japanese trade delegations to build relations with local businesses here.

This trade delegation is expected to come to Chennai in mid-April, says N. Krishnaswami, secretary-general of the Chamber. He says that owing to the Chamber's efforts during the last two years, bilateral movement of business delegations from and to Japan has increased.

Investment destination

He says that in October 2005 a 14-member IJCCI delegation, led by R. Veeramani, visited chambers of commerce and industry in Osaka, Fukuoka, Kobe, Kyoto, Nagoya and Tokyo.

The delegation educated Japanese businessmen on how Tamil Nadu was a premier investment destination.

A delegation from Fukuoka city headed by its Mayor, Hirotaro Yamasaki, met the Chief Minister and participated in an interaction, organised by the IJCCI, with Tamil Nadu businessmen. Another delegation from the Osaka region, led by Vice-Chairman of Matsushita Group, Masayuki Matsushita, had visited Chennai during December.

Last month, 52 small- and medium-scale representatives from the Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO), from sectors such as auto components, manufacturing, IT, and ITES, interacted with businessmen from Tamil Nadu on 10th February 10.

It led the Japanese Consul-General, Yoshiaki Kodaki, to speak about make a pointed reference to the IJCCI's work, notes says Mr. Krishnaswami.

IJCCI plans

Mr. Krishnaswami says the Chamber now plans to go beyond bringing and facilitating delegations. "We want to give specific advice on each sector of the economy using a panel of experts, at least in important fields. The panel could go through proposals and see whether it can identify, suitable and reliable or likeminded partners here for Japanese business houses," he adds.

In essence, the The IJCCI can act as a clearinghouse for information on trade and investment, and screen project proposals for joint ventures through a core committee of experts.