Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi interacted with members of the Gujarati and Indian communities in Kobe, Japan, on October 18, during a visit under the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit initiative. The interaction was held at the historic Kobe India Club, which has been functioning since 1904 — a legacy of more than 120 years. Before the gathering, Sanghavi visited a nearby Jain temple and offered prayers.

Sanghavi said relations between Gujarat and Gujaratis living abroad should extend beyond formal engagements, and called for a robust mechanism for continuous dialogue instead of limiting interactions to welcoming delegations that visit Gujarat once every two years.

He stressed the need for a local platform through which industries from Gujarat could connect with Japanese business partners, explore new markets and identify collaboration opportunities. The goodwill and experience of the Indian community in Kobe and other parts of Japan, he said, should be leveraged to create new opportunities for Gujarat's micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

The Gujarat Industries Department and the Indian Embassy would coordinate and provide support to facilitate these partnerships, he said. Community leaders welcomed Sanghavi and assured him of their commitment to strengthening trade, business and cultural relations with Gujarat.

Sources: ANI; Nation Press.