We want Tamil Nadu firms in Yokohoma, say Japanese

The Japanese, known for their hard work and finesse in products, emerged not only among the top partners for the AIADMK government’s second edition of Global Investors Meet, but they also wooed more footfall when compared to other stalls kept by foreign companies and multinational corporations.

Most of the 20 odd stalls positioned by the Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO) seemed to have done their market research. While Nissan and Yamaha need no introduction, there were noodle manufacturing companies and instant masala manufacturers promoted by Ajinomoto. Yamaha music stalls were equipped with Indianised instruments that had tunes related to the sitar, veena and tabla.

“We know that south India is a big market for the packet and instant foods. Ajinomoto is keen on expanding its base in Tamil Nadu and Andhra. For the first time, the Japanese firm had unveiled Hapima - a vegetarian masala mix for fries after doing a dedicated R&D that study the south Indian food habits,” said Govinda Biswas, marketing manager, Ajinomoto.

Yosuke Togari, chief representative, Jetro and his secretary Kasmah Hidzir were also seen distributing pamphlets to Indian delegates asking them to invest in settle in the state of Kanagawa state of Japan. “Why Invest or settle in other countries - think Japan. Today, there are Indian vegetarian restaurants and schools dedicated to children of Indian origin in the city of Yokohama, Kanagawa,” said Yosuke Togari.

“Chennai has a lot of Japanese firms and we want to have Chennai firms opened in Yokohama too,” said Kasmah Hidzir. Under the twin city agreements and promotion of business, the Kanagawa Prefectural Government of Japan is focused on Mumbai and Chennai to attract human resource and investments, Hidzir added, greeting visitors in Japanese and English.

“Chennai and Tokyo are now closer; thanks to the announced direct flights from October,” said Shouhei Hosokawa, assistant vice president, Mizuho Bank. Mumbai, Ahmedabad and Chennai have the potential for us to build business and soon there will be more traders shuttling between Chennai and Japan, said Hosokawa.