Japan’s Ambassador to India, Keiichi Ono, alongside Minister Koyoko Hokugo and a delegation of 60+ Japanese business leaders, met with Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel in Gandhinagar and toured Dholera Special Investment Region (SIR). The discussions focused on deepening Japan’s role in Gujarat’s semiconductor and electric vehicle ecosystems.
Ambassador Ono emphasized Japan’s full commitment to India’s semiconductor ambitions and highlighted growing interest from Japanese firms in investing in Dholera’s industrial infrastructure.
🏭 Dholera SIR: Prime Investment Destination
During the delegation’s visit to Dholera SIR, key infrastructure—including the integrated command centre, water treatment systems, and the Tata Electronics semiconductor fab under construction—was showcased.🇯🇵 Japanese companies are undertaking feasibility studies with Mizuho Bank and government-backed semiconductor parks to build an ideal ecosystem for chip manufacturing.
CM Patel reaffirmed that Gujarat prioritizes the semiconductor sector and pledged to deliver world‑class infrastructure, including industrial, social, and talent ecosystems.
🚗 EV Manufacturing: A Key Focus
Alongside semiconductors, Japanese firms have also expressed interest in EV manufacturing in Gujarat. Ambassador Ono underscored EV as a strategic sector, and Japanese manufacturers are evaluating production opportunities in Dholera. He also encouraged collaboration on the Ahmedabad‑Mumbai bullet train corridor for future logistics and passenger integration.
🧩 Why Dholera Appeals to Japan
- Japanese companies value Gujarat as a business partner: With over 350 Japanese firms operating in the state, Gujarat has become a hub for Japanese talent and township investment. CM Patel described Gujarat as a “second home for Japan.
- Alignment with DMIC blueprint: Dholera’s development under the Delhi–Mumbai Industrial Corridor, inspired by Japan’s own industrial clusters, makes it a natural site for collaboration.
💰 Key Investment Momentum
Japan’s engagement complements existing global interest, including:
- Tata Electronics fab with Taiwanese partnerships (> ₹91,000 crore / ~$11 billion investment)
- NextGen’s ₹10,000 crore compound semiconductor fab & opto-electronics unit, backed by Japanese and Taiwanese technology partners like Hitachi and Solidlite
- Jabil sign-up for ₹1,000 crore EMS unit by 2027, bringing further technology manufacturing capabilities to Dholera
This multi-lateral interest highlights Dholera’s emergence as a semiconductor and EV investment hotspot.
✅ Summary: What’s Ahead
Japan’s renewed focus on semiconductor and EV investments in Dholera reflects a deeper strategic partnership with Gujarat. With high-level engagements, detailed surveys, and commitment from both sides, Dholera SIR is positioning itself as a leading next-gen industrial hub. From chip fabs to EV units and smart mobility networks, the collaboration stands to significantly elevate India‑Japan industrial cooperation in the coming years.
