Japan's Fukuoka Prefecture is set to offer significant employment opportunities to young people from Haryana, India. A proposed partnership aims to provide jobs, internships, and skill development programs for approximately 50,000 Haryana youth over the next five years, addressing a severe shortage of skilled workers in Fukuoka.
Fukuoka's Need for Skilled Labor
Officials from Fukuoka Prefecture, an administrative division similar to an Indian state, highlighted that nearly 80% of companies in key sectors, including manufacturing, semiconductors, automobiles, and information technology, are grappling with a lack of technically skilled workers. This pressing need led Fukuoka to seek cooperation from the Haryana government in developing and sourcing skilled manpower.
'Haryana-Fukuoka Connect 2026' Meeting
The proposal emerged during the 'Haryana-Fukuoka Connect 2026' meeting held in Chandigarh. Representatives from the Fukuoka Prefectural Government, the Fukuoka Institute of Technology, and Japanese industry leaders participated in discussions with Haryana government officials, universities, and various state departments. The talks focused on expanding collaboration in skill development, industrial investment, technical education, and workforce mobility.
Opportunities Across Key Sectors
The planned initiative targets 50,000 students and technical professionals from Haryana. These opportunities will span critical industries in Fukuoka, such as advanced manufacturing, the burgeoning semiconductor sector, the robust automobile industry, and the rapidly growing information technology field. Beyond direct employment, the partnership emphasizes internships and comprehensive skill development, including vital Japanese language training tailored to industry requirements.
Haryana's Supportive Ecosystem
Haryana officials, including Commissioner and Secretary for Foreign Cooperation, Amneet P Kumar, briefed the Japanese delegation on the state's investor-friendly industrial policies and investment promotion initiatives. Kumar reiterated Haryana's commitment to providing an industry-friendly environment, complete with speedy approvals and a single-window clearance system for investors. Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini has reportedly been personally monitoring efforts to align the skills of Haryana's youth with Fukuoka's workforce demands.
Dedicated Support and Training
To institutionalize this cooperation, a 'Haryana Sakura Working Group' has been established. Additionally, a dedicated help desk will support Fukuoka-based companies and institutions. The Haryana Kaushal Rozgar Nigam (HKRN) will facilitate opportunities for students from Haryana's universities and higher educational institutions to contribute to Fukuoka's skilled workforce. New Japanese language courses and technical programs, specifically designed to meet Fukuoka's industry needs, are also slated for introduction across educational institutions in Haryana.
Broader Collaboration Ahead
Beyond workforce mobility, discussions also touched upon strengthening bilateral cooperation in cultural exchange, heritage, and emerging areas like green jobs and green fuels. Director General of Foreign Cooperation, Ashok Kumar Meena, emphasized the need for joint efforts in developing ecosystems around culture, heritage, and spirituality, while exploring potential sister city and eco-town models between regions of Haryana and Japan.