For a small state, Meghalaya has significant plans for its relationship with Japan across a range of sectors, including employment.
A small batch of 50 nurses is working in Japan under a state government initiative that is encouraging them to work abroad. A further 500 are currently learning Japanese before heading to the East Asian nation and this number could swell to 5,000 in four or five years.
This was what Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said today at the 5th India-Japan Conclave held in Guwahati.
“We firmly believe in a strong partnership, trust and relationship with Japan. Our Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken every step to ensure that the foundation laid between the two nations benefits both for economic prosperity,” the CM said. “We are not a big state but we have our own strengths and opportunities. We are focused on moving forward in our way. We will do a few things but we will do them well.”
Discussing the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) aimed at strengthening economic ties between the two nations by enhancing trade and investment flows, Sangma said that the state has opened opportunities for its youth to undergo training for employment in Japan.
“When recruitment agencies wanted to hire nurses from Meghalaya, the youth were apprehensive, parents were worried about safety and many were concerned about the fees involved for training in the Japanese language,” he said, adding that the state government is now providing financial support for the training and ensuring the safety of youth recruited by agencies to work in Japan’s healthcare sector. “Initially, the youth did not trust the recruiting agencies as the training cost was high. The state government intervened and resolved the problem. We are now paying for the training as well as ensuring the safety of our youth.”
He also informed that the state is exploring opportunities and collaborations in skills other than nursing to send its human resources to Japan. Around 45 percent of Meghalaya’s population is under 19, while Japan is facing an ageing population. This is seen as a potential opportunity for Meghalaya.
The Chief Minister highlighted that the state is also exploring opportunities in agriculture and has already partnered with a Japanese firm to promote Shiitake mushroom cultivation. Meghalaya and Japan have also collaborated on the Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival, which has taken inspiration from Japan’s much more famous sakura blooms.
