Diplomacy & Industry
Japanese Ambassador Leads 60+ Company Delegation to Dholera SIR; Mizuho Bank Ecosystem Survey Launched
The Ambassador of Japan to India, Keiichi Ono, led a high-level delegation of leading Japanese companies on an official visit to Dholera Special Investment Region (Dholera SIR), marking a strategic push to deepen India-Japan industrial cooperation in semiconductors and advanced manufacturing. The two-day engagement began on Wednesday with a conference session in Ahmedabad, followed by a site visit to Dholera Special Investment Region on Thursday.
| Delegation Size | More than 60 Japanese business representatives |
|---|---|
| Ambassador & Companion | Keiichi Ono, accompanied by Japan's Economic and Development Affairs Minister, Koyoko Hokugo |
| Visit Duration & Scope | Three-day visit to Gujarat, which included Dholera SIR and meetings with 150 top industrialists in Ahmedabad |
| Japanese Companies in Gujarat | More than 350 Japanese companies currently operating in the state |
| Key Outcome: Mizuho Survey | A survey being conducted by Japan's Mizuho Bank in Dholera and Japan's semiconductor parks to explore how the best possible ecosystem for the semiconductor sector can be developed |
| Investment Intent | Several Japanese companies are keen to invest in semiconductor manufacturing at Dholera SIR, leveraging Japan's technological expertise |
| Dholera SIR Status | India's first greenfield smart industrial city, developed as a Special Investment Region under the Delhi–Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC) |
| Key Infrastructure on-site Tour | Water Treatment Plant, Canal Front Development, Power Substation, and ABCD Building housing the Integrated Command & Control Centre (ICCC) |
What Happened
The two-day engagement commenced on 9th July 2025 with a conference session in Ahmedabad, followed by a site visit to Dholera Special Investment Region (SIR) on 10th July 2025. The session held on Wednesday featured opening remarks by Resident Executive Officer & Regional Head for Asia Pacific, Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) Kazuko Sakuma and Chief Representative, JETRO Ahmedabad Yu Yoshida.
The session showcased presentations on India's evolving industrial ecosystem and the emergence of Dholera as a hub for advanced manufacturing. A special address by Ambassador Keiichi Ono concluded the session, in which he appreciated India's vision for semiconductors and smart cities, and reaffirmed Japan's continued support for India's economic transformation.
The Japanese delegation undertook an on-ground tour of the city's planned infrastructure and facilities, accompanied by officials from Dholera Industrial City Development Ltd. (DICDL) and the National Industrial Corridor Development Corporation (NICDC).
Who Decided & Why
An official statement from the Ministry of Commerce & Industry noted the visit as part of advancing bilateral ties. The visit marked a significant milestone in advancing industrial cooperation between India and Japan, built on shared values of innovation, sustainability and inclusive development.
The meeting came on the final day of Ambassador Ono's three-day visit to Gujarat, which included high-level interactions with more than 150 industrialists in Ahmedabad and a visit to the Dholera Special Investment Region (SIR). Ono Keiichi, accompanied by Japan's Minister of Economic and Development Affairs, Koyoko Hokugo, also paid a courtesy visit to Gujarat's Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel in Gandhinagar on Friday.
Japanese Investment Interest & Requirements
Ambassador Ono conveyed that several Japanese companies are keen to invest in semiconductor manufacturing at Dholera SIR, leveraging Japan's technological expertise in the field. The Japanese Ambassador particularly emphasised the role of Dholera SIR in the growth of semiconductor industries, expressing Japan's commitment to leveraging its expertise in this sector for Gujarat's benefit.
He requested the Gujarat government to enhance industrial and social infrastructure, along with human resource development facilities, to support the sector's growth. In response, CM Patel assured that Gujarat is giving top priority to the semiconductor sector and is committed to delivering world-class infrastructure within defined timelines.
The Mizuho Bank Ecosystem Survey: Next Steps
The Ambassador revealed that Japan's Mizuho Bank is conducting a comprehensive survey of Dholera SIR and Japan's semiconductor parks to explore ways to create an optimal ecosystem for high-tech industries in Gujarat. CM Patel welcomed the initiative and assured full cooperation from state departments. 'The findings of this survey will shape the future of semiconductor manufacturing in Gujarat and help establish it as a leading global hub,' said the Chief Minister.
This survey represents a formal mechanism to benchmark Dholera against Japan's established semiconductor manufacturing ecosystems and identify gaps in infrastructure, workforce, and supply-chain support.
Dholera's Infrastructure & Connectivity
With multimodal connectivity through the Ahmedabad–Dholera Expressway and the upcoming Greenfield International Airport, plug-and-play industrial zones, real-time governance via ICCC, and robust utility infrastructure, Dholera is envisioned as more than just an industrial base.
The expressway was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 31 March 2026. The Ahmedabad-Dholera Expressway, spanning 109 km, is a greenfield project that will cut travel time between Ahmedabad and Dholera by an hour. By reducing travel time to approximately 40-45 minutes, this new route promises to revolutionize connectivity in the region.
Dholera spans over 920 sq. km., covering 22 villages in Dholera taluka, Ahmedabad district.
Broader Bilateral Context
Japan's intention to further strengthen ties with Gujarat as the two nations mark 50 years of diplomatic friendship frames this engagement within a longer strategic partnership. Ono expressed appreciation for the support extended by the Gujarat government to more than 350 Japanese companies currently operating in the state.
Beyond semiconductors, Ambassador Ono also conveyed Japan's growing interest in electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing in Gujarat. He further advocated for greater cooperation on the Ahmedabad-Mumbai High-Speed Rail Corridor, popularly known as the Bullet Train Project, seeking faster progress on this flagship India-Japan collaboration.
Development phases
Frequently asked questions
What is the main focus of Japan's engagement with Dholera SIR?
The Japanese Ambassador particularly emphasised the role of Dholera SIR in the growth of semiconductor industries, expressing Japan's commitment to leveraging its expertise in this sector for Gujarat's benefit.
How many Japanese companies visited and from where did they come?
More than 60 Japanese business representatives participated. Opening remarks were given by officials from Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) and JETRO Ahmedabad.
What is the Mizuho Bank survey about?
Japan's Mizuho Bank is conducting a comprehensive survey of Dholera SIR and Japan's semiconductor parks to explore ways to create an optimal ecosystem for high-tech industries in Gujarat.
What infrastructure connects Dholera to other cities?
The Ahmedabad-Dholera Expressway was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 31 March 2026. An international airport is being developed to the northeast of DSIR. The airport has already received environmental and site clearance.
How many Japanese companies already operate in Gujarat?
More than 350 Japanese companies currently operating in the state.
What is Dholera SIR and who develops it?
Dholera SIR is India's first greenfield smart industrial city, developed as a Special Investment Region under the Delhi–Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC). It is implemented by Dholera Industrial City Development Ltd. (DICDL) — a joint venture between the NICDC Trust (Central Govt) and Govt of Gujarat.
Sources
- The Tribune: Gujarat - Japanese Ambassador leads high-level delegation to Dholera Special Investment Region
- Press Information Bureau: Ambassador of Japan leads high-level delegation to Dholera Special Investment Region (SIR)
- The Hans India: Japan's ambassador meets Gujarat CM, focuses on stronger bilateral ties and semiconductor investment in Dholera
- Indian Masterminds: Japan Eyes Big Semiconductor Bets in Gujarat's Dholera SIR
- Insights on India: Dholera Special Investment Region
- Wikipedia: Dholera Special Investment Region
- Dholera Official: About Us