Andhra Pradesh renews MoU with Toyama to strengthen bilateral ties

Andhra Pradesh and Toyama, an industrial prefecture on the Japan Sea coast, have renewed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen bilateral ties and promote cooperation in manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, tourism, and digital innovation sectors.

The agreement, first established in 2015, was signed on December 21, 2024, by a 14-member delegation led by Toyama Governor Hachiro Nitta.

The ceremony witnessed participation of senior officials, including Kona Sasidhar, Secretary to the Government (School Education), and N. Yuvaraj, Secretary (Industries & Commerce), informed the State government in a press release.

Zen Garden

Highlighting the collaboration’s significance, Mr. Yuvaraj proposed creating a Japanese rock garden called the Zen Garden in the State as a symbol of the renewed partnership. He also emphasized strengthening student exchange programs and promoting Japanese language schools in the State.

Mr. Nitta expressed enthusiasm for expanding cooperation, noting Toyama’s expertise in areas like research, technology, and sushi cuisine. He welcomed the idea of a Zen Garden and underscored the need for trust-based relations.

The renewed MoU includes provisions for economic, cultural, academic, and digital exchanges. Notable outcomes from the 2015 MoU include scholarship programs, academic collaborations, and pharmaceutical industry roundtables.