Kohima: Nagaland’s Deputy Chief Minister T. R. Zeliang on Wednesday described the Nagaland–Japan Connect as a strategic economic initiative aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation, attracting investment and accelerating the state’s long-term growth.
Speaking at the Nagaland–Japan Connect 2026 programme held at the Integrated Business Hub and Innovation Centre (IBHIC) in Dimapur, Zeliang said the initiative places human capital at the centre of economic policy.
He underlined that investments in language training, skills and international exposure would generate sustained returns through employment, remittances and stronger institutions.
Recalling the engagement between Nagaland and Japan since 2014, Zeliang said the partnership is anchored in mutual trust and a shared vision for the future.
The event was organised by the Nagaland government through the Investment and Development Authority of Nagaland (IDAN) at Dimapur, the state’s principal commercial hub.
Officials said the initiative marks a significant milestone in Nagaland’s global outreach strategy, with a focus on international mobility, people-to-people linkages and human capital development as key drivers of economic progress.
The programme brought together representatives of the state government, officials from Japan’s Kochi Prefecture, industry stakeholders, academic institutions and youth.
The discussions centred on creating structured pathways for overseas employment, skill enhancement and long-term institutional collaboration with Japan.
Chairing the programme, IDAN official I. Changsang said Nagaland–Japan Connect is envisioned as a sustained platform rather than a one-off engagement, aimed at preparing local youth for global workplaces while building enduring partnerships with Japanese institutions.
Advisor to the Chief Minister and IDAN Chairman Abu Metha said the initiative reflects Nagaland’s evolving global outlook.
Urging young participants to acquire skills and international experience, he encouraged them to return with best practices that can contribute to the state’s development, assuring continued government support.
ALSO READ: Economic Survey 2025–26 tabled in Lok Sabha ahead of Union Budget
Industries and Commerce Minister Hekani Jakhalu highlighted the scale of the employment challenge, noting that the state has over 10 lakh job seekers.
She said the initiative seeks to broaden opportunities beyond traditional sectors and enable Nagaland’s youth to compete globally, adding that Japan’s interest in the state reflects growing confidence in its people and governance.
Representing Kochi Prefecture, Japan, Kunitoshi Hojo pointed to Japan’s increasing demand for skilled workers amid a rapidly ageing population.
He said the number of workers from Nagaland in Kochi had risen from none two years ago to 19 at present, and expressed confidence that many more success stories would emerge as cooperation deepens.
