Japan PM likely to visit Assam next month: CM

Guwahati: Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Prime Minister Narendra Modi are likely to visit Assam for a summit from July 1 to July 3, CM Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Tuesday.

Japanese PM’s visit bears significance as violent protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act in Dec 2019 forced the cancellation of former Japanese PM Shinzo Abe’s scheduled summit in Guwahati.

Speaking to the media, Sarma said the launch of the Blue Valley Cluster and the visit of the EU delegation were important milestones for Assam. He expressed the possibility of another landmark moment for the state next month.

“On first, second and third (July 1 to 3), there is a possibility of Japan PM’s visit to Guwahati, along with PM Narendra Modi. Things are getting better for Assam by the day. But now it all depends on us how we take advantage of the growing interest in Assam,” said Sarma.

He added that Assam’s producers need to bring quality products to the market. Youths need to develop skills in a manner that helps Assam compete in the international market.

Over the last few days, there were reports in the Japanese media that PM Takaichi was likely to visit India in July for a summit meeting with Modi, and that the meeting may take place in Assam.

Though there is no official confirmation of her visit from the govt, some Assam ministers recently told a section of the media about Japan PM’s possible visit to Assam in July.