Dholera, Gujarat: In a significant boost to India–Japan industrial relations, His Excellency Mr. Keiichi Ono, Ambassador of Japan to India, led a high-powered business delegation to the Dholera Special Investment Region (Dholera SIR)—India’s premier greenfield smart industrial city under the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC). The visit signifies growing alignment between the two nations in the fields of advanced manufacturing, semiconductor technology, smart infrastructure, and sustainable urban development.
The two-day program (9–10 July) combined a strategic conference in Ahmedabad with an intensive on-ground inspection of Dholera’s cutting-edge infrastructure. Officials from Dholera Industrial City Development Ltd. (DICDL) and National Industrial Corridor Development Corporation (NICDC) accompanied the Japanese representatives, offering insights into the planning, execution, and vision for the future-ready city.
Spotlight on Semiconductor Investment: Tata–PSMC Fab in Focus
At the core of this industrial collaboration lies the landmark Tata Electronics semiconductor fabrication plant, currently under construction in Dholera. Developed in collaboration with Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation (PSMC) of Taiwan, the plant is a key initiative under the Semicon India Programme and part of the ₹1.54 lakh crore semiconductor investment ecosystem being built in Gujarat.
During the visit, the delegation received a detailed briefing on the fab’s design, production capacity, and expected role in creating a globally competitive semiconductor supply chain. The facility symbolizes India’s ambition to emerge as a trusted semiconductor manufacturing hub and reduce import dependency in critical tech components.
Comprehensive Infrastructure Tour: Building a Global Investment Magnet
The Japanese delegation visited several landmark sites within Dholera SIR, including:
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Water Treatment Plant: Demonstrating sustainable water management.
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Canal Front Development: A blend of aesthetics, ecology, and urban design.
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Power Substation: Showcasing 24×7 reliable industrial power supply.
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ABCD Building (Administrative and Command Centre): Housing the Integrated Command & Control Centre (ICCC), which governs real-time utilities and urban systems across the city.
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Experience Centre: Offering a digital and immersive preview of Dholera’s blueprint for the future.
Officials also presented plans for robust social infrastructure, such as a multi-specialty hospital, fire and safety systems, educational institutions, high-quality residences, commercial centers, and hospitality zones—making Dholera not only a business magnet but also a livable smart city.
Strategic Engagement: A Vision Shared by India and Japan
A special session was held on 9 July in Ahmedabad featuring:
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Ms. Kazuko Sakuma, Resident Executive Officer (JBIC – Asia Pacific)
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Mr. Yu Yoshida, Chief Representative, JETRO Ahmedabad
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Mrs. Mona K. Khandhar, Principal Secretary, Department of Science & Technology, Government of Gujarat
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Shri Rajat Kumar Saini, CEO & MD, NICDC
Delivering the keynote address, Shri Saini emphasized that Dholera, inspired by Japan’s Tokyo–Osaka Corridor, is a symbol of next-generation bilateral industrial cooperation. He lauded Japan’s historical role in shaping the DMIC and expressed confidence in continued collaboration to shape India’s industrial transformation.
Presentations outlined India’s evolving Make in India ecosystem, and how Dholera fits within the broader Vision 2047 framework — India’s roadmap to becoming a self-reliant, innovation-led developed economy.
Ambassador Keiichi Ono: Reaffirming Japan’s Commitment
Ambassador Mr. Keiichi Ono, in his concluding remarks, expressed admiration for India’s scale and ambition, particularly in semiconductors and smart cities. He noted:
“Japan recognizes the transformational potential of India’s semiconductor strategy. We are encouraged by the scale of planning at Dholera SIR and will continue to support India’s economic rise through deeper investment and collaboration.”
He also highlighted the cultural and technological synergy between the two nations, underlining shared values of discipline, innovation, and sustainable growth.
The day concluded with a networking dinner, facilitating meaningful dialogue between Indian industry leaders and Japanese delegates, setting the stage for potential collaborations across electronics, automotive components, robotics, and clean-tech sectors.
Dholera SIR: India’s Gateway to Future Manufacturing
Strategically located with multimodal connectivity—via the Ahmedabad–Dholera Expressway and a Greenfield International Airport under development—Dholera is fast emerging as a hub of global investment and a template for smart cities across the country.
Its plug-and-play industrial zones, AI-enabled real-time governance, robust power and water systems, and investor-friendly regulatory frameworks are tailored to attract high-tech and high-value industries, especially from Japan and Southeast Asia.
The presence of the Japanese Ambassador and key business stakeholders at Dholera underscores India’s rising global stature in futuristic industrial development and signals continued strengthening of the India–Japan economic corridor.
Source: PIB
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