Odisha Signs 2 MoUs with Japan's Tottori to Boost Ties

Odisha signs a Friendship Agreement and two MoUs with Japan’s Tottori Prefecture to promote industrial investment, startup collaboration, vocational training, Japanese-language education and tourism.

The Government of Odisha and Japan’s Tottori Prefectural Government have signed a Friendship Agreement and two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to strengthen cooperation in industrial development, investment, entrepreneurship, skill training, tourism and cultural exchange. The agreements aim to establish long-term institutional and business partnerships while creating opportunities for Odisha-based enterprises and skilled professionals to access the Japanese market.

The agreements were signed on November 11, 2026, by Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Tottori Governor Shinji Hirai at Lok Seva Bhawan in Bhubaneswar. Around 80 Japanese delegates representing industries, technical institutions, banking and financial organisations, and trade and commerce sectors attended the ceremony.

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The Friendship Agreement establishes a framework for cooperation across economic development, industry, tourism, culture, environmental initiatives and people-to-people exchanges. It also encourages collaboration between small and medium-sized businesses, student and youth exchanges, promotion of local products and mutual promotion of tourism destinations.

The first MoU was signed between Startup Odisha and the Director of Industries, Tottori Prefecture. It focuses on strengthening entrepreneurial connections through business matchmaking, startup exchanges, accelerator programmes, mentoring and investor networking. The partnership is expected to facilitate technology collaborations, cross-border business opportunities and improved market access for startups and enterprises in both regions.

The second MoU involves the World Skill Centre in Bhubaneswar, Tottori Prefecture and Nihon Edutech. It focuses on human resource development through vocational training aligned with the requirements of Japanese businesses, particularly in manufacturing and nursing care. The programme will include Japanese-language instruction and corporate information sessions to familiarise participants with employment opportunities and workplace requirements in Japan.

Odisha Industries, Skill Development and Technical Education Minister Sampad Chandra Swain said the partnership would connect industrial development with technical education and workforce preparation. The World Skill Centre collaboration is expected to create international employment pathways for young people through industry-oriented training and language education.

Chief Minister Majhi invited Japanese businesses to explore investment and collaboration opportunities in the state's micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), startups, industrial clusters and skilled workforce. He also highlighted the presence of established Japanese companies in Odisha, including Indo Nissin, Nippon Steel, JFE Steel, Krosaki, TYK, Yokohama, IHI and Toray.

MSME Minister Gokula Nanda Mallik highlighted opportunities for Odisha's smaller businesses to develop technology partnerships, undertake joint product development, establish manufacturing linkages and access new markets through collaboration with Tottori enterprises.

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Governor Hirai reaffirmed his commitment to expanding economic cooperation and cultural engagement between the two regions. Following the signing ceremony, the Japanese delegation visited the World Skill Centre to interact with students and faculty members. A cultural exchange programme at Kala Bhoomi also featured performances from Odisha and Japan.

The agreements provide an institutional framework for strengthening regional economic partnerships, workforce development and cultural connections between Odisha and Japan.