Japan must make the most of India’s rapid digital progress, said Takashi Suzuki, Chief Director General of the Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO). Highlighting the strengths of both countries, Suzuki said, “If the manufacturing sector is our forte, India leads in digital technology, which needs to be adopted by Japanese industries.” He added that collaborating with Indian ventures is not optional anymore, considering India’s expertise in the digital space.
Suzuki also pointed out that Japan is facing a serious shortage of manpower, including low-skilled workers. This has pushed the country to look for business partnerships and opportunities in India, especially for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
JETRO, a Japanese government body, works to boost exports and strengthen business relations with other countries. Suzuki was speaking on the sidelines of a seminar focused on global perspectives for India’s development by 2047.
“Japan may have a strong manufacturing sector, but this is not enough. Even manufacturing industries need to work on digital technology. For example, Toyota, which has plans to start factories in Aurangabad, is not just an automobile company. In the new age, it is a mobility company with digital technology a key component of its business. India can help in giving the digital tech push,” he said.
He also noted the growing manpower shortage in Japan, not only in high-end talent but also in low-skilled categories. While JETRO mainly focuses on skilled talent, other government departments in Japan are handling needs in the mid- and low-level workforce.
Suzuki mentioned that Toyota’s decision to set up four factories in Aurangabad has made Maharashtra a preferred destination for Japanese investors. “Toyota is setting up factories that can attract ancillary industries,” he said, adding that there is rising interest among Japanese firms to invest in the region.
He also touched upon Japan’s evolving foreign relations due to the changing global political landscape. Ties with China remain complicated, especially since China is also in conflict with the US, a key ally of Japan. Ongoing global conflicts such as the Russia-Ukraine war, the Israel-Hamas crisis, and recent tensions between India and Pakistan have prompted Japan to rethink its international partnerships.
However, Suzuki made it clear that Japan’s defence partnerships will remain limited due to its current military stance. “It has troops just enough to protect its own country,” he said.
Suzuki raised concerns over India’s protectionist trade policies, especially non-tariff barriers that have affected Japanese exports. Still, he added that Japan is tackling these challenges by boosting local production in India.
He also noted that India has a large and varied market and does not rely on a single trade partner. This makes it an attractive destination for Japanese businesses looking to expand.
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