More Japanese aid to State in the pipeline
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 08 2011: On top of the sericulture project presently being implemented in the state, the japanese Government has reportedly assured to provide necessary financial and technical assistance to the Government of Manipur for development of infrastructure and enhancing trade relations.

Other area of interest for the Japanese Government in Manipur is informed to be providing technical know-how in the detection and retrieval of bones of Japanese soldiers who died in various places of the state during the World War II .

According to an informed source, the Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh, at the invitation of the Prime Minister's Advisor Sam Pitroda, was a part of the Indian delegation that took part in the recently held India-Japan Global Partnership Summit at Tokyo.

The Chief Minister is informed to have met some important members of Japan External Trade Organisation, considered to be an influential group in Japan.

Stating that the CM and a 10-member delegation of the Japanese organisation led by its president held wide-ranging talks on the prospect of trade between Manipur and Japan, the source said the meeting focused on promoting export of silk products.

The Japanese Embassy in India will enlist items to be covered in the trade between the two entities, conveyed the source while adding that a Minister attched to the Japanese Embassy and O Ibobi Singh held a meeting in New Delhi ahead of the Tokyo summit.

It is informed that the Japanese Minister sought the help of the Government of manipur in the location and collection of bones of the Japanese soldiers who died in the Second World War in Manipur and intimated to the CM to provide all possible assistance.

besides the ongoing sericulture project being implemented with the financial assistance of Government of japan, one of the world's most developed nation is said to have expressed keen interest in sustaining and expanding the trade relationship between Japan and Manipur to other sector as well, provided the latter is willing.

It may be noted that the second phase funding for the ongoing Manipur Sericulture Project is yet to be released by the Japan International Co-operation Agency.

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