A delegation from Wakayama Prefectural Government, Japan recently visited Jayakumar Rawal, minister of tourism, Government of Maharashtra to discuss the development on the MoU between Wakayama Prefectural Government (WPG) and Maharashtra government. The meeting witnessed the presence of Yosho Yamashita, Tsujibimashi, Heidekazu Hirai and Noboo Miyamoto from Wakayama Prefectural Government, Japan; Satish Soni, joint MD, Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) and Chandrashekhar Jaiswal, deputy general manager, MTDC.
As a part of the MoU, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is funding the Ajanta Ellora Development Phase 3 and showcasing their support towards development of tourism in Maharashtra. The MoU also highlights the joint efforts of both parties to enhance mutual economic growth, promote agro and food processing between local enterprises through existing framework established by both governments.
Rawal said, “We are proud to be associated with Wakayama Prefecture, Japan and this MoU has been a great platform for us to increase our global footprint and put Maharashtra on a world map. This MoU has strengthened the bilateral trade between India and Japan and has mutually benefitted these two countries to strengthen their respective tourism prospects. Buddhism makes the two countries close for centuries. I propose the establishment of a Japanese village near Ajanta-Ellora to further attract tourist footfalls from Japan and welcome our Japanese brothers with better warmth and hospitality. We would like to offer land for the establishment of this village. We must also organise special Japanese tours in Maharashtra.”
On this initiative, Valsa Nair Singh, principal secretary, Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Government of Maharashtra, commented, “We warmly welcome Wakayama Prefecture, Japan delegation to Maharashtra. The renewal of the MoU term and this association will help increase tourism inflow in Maharashtra and Wakayama through the agreement. It will further help maintain mutual co-operation between both states for expansion of tourism ties to enhance economic growth and job creation. We thank Wakayama Prefecture, Japan for providing assistance in further promotion of Maharashtra Tourism in Japan through the office space they have provided to MTDC in Tokyo. There has been a steady influx of tourists from Japan to Aurangabad to study important places around the Buddhist circuit.”
Rawal also invited the Japanese delegation to attend the Buddhist Conference in Aurangabad in October this year. Wakayama Prefecture delegation proposed their plans to promote Ajanta Visitor Centre and a clean-up camp at the World heritage site with locals.
