In the area of Telecom, IT and Electronics, the two countries have complementary strengths. Whereas, Japan has the technology and is excellent in hardware side, India offers market and has great strengths in the area of software development. Together India and Japan can develop Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) for the world market.
Japan is a major manufacturing powerhouse, manufacturing about $1 trillion of goods, which constitutes about 20% of its $5 trillion GDP. On the other hand, India is a land of opportunities with a potential of providing 600 million broadband connections in next 5-6 years, which will entail an investment of tens of billions dollar. Considering these factors, India becomes a natural partner for Japan to execute joint projects for manufacturing of electronic and telecom goods and equipment here in India.
The reforms agenda unleashed by the new government, including its 'Digital India' programme, provides an opportunity for Japanese companies to invest in India, particularly in the field of ICT where 100% FDI is permitted, besides collaborating with Indian companies for manufacturing of ICT products.
Realizing their complementary strengths, two countries will explore the possibility of having joint projects in the following areas during their meeting tomorrow, besides discussing other matters of mutual cooperation in the field of ICT.