Pune Invites Japanese Companies to Invest, Sets Sights on Global Service Centres
Pune, 29th September 2026: Pune and Japan’s Okayama city are set to mark 20 years of friendship, with Pune Mayor Manjusha Deepak Nagpure proposing the renewal of the sister-city agreement and the establishment of a joint skill development and language centre to strengthen bilateral cooperation.
Nagpure recently paid a courtesy visit to Ryuta Ibaragi, Governor of Okayama Prefecture, Japan. The meeting focused on strengthening historical, cultural and industrial ties between the two cities and exploring opportunities for economic cooperation, investment and skill development.
During the meeting, Nagpure highlighted the growing strategic partnership between India and Japan under Prime Minister Narendra Modi and said Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had encouraged Japanese industries, technology and cultural initiatives in the state.
Pune Seeks Greater Japanese Investment
Highlighting Pune’s strengths in the automobile industry, information technology, education, research and innovation, Nagpure invited businesses and companies from Okayama to invest in Pune and establish their regional offices in the city.
She also encouraged Japanese companies to explore investment and joint research opportunities in Ayurveda, modern agricultural technology, yoga and healthcare initiatives.
Nagpure said the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) was working to create a conducive environment and provide the necessary facilities for Japanese companies to establish global service centres in Pune. She assured the delegation that the civic body would extend support and facilitate the infrastructure required by Japanese businesses setting up operations in the city.
Sister-City Agreement Renewal Proposed
As Pune and Okayama complete two decades of friendship, Nagpure invited the Okayama Governor and a delegation comprising industrial and administrative representatives to visit Pune in November.
During the proposed visit, the two cities are expected to commemorate their longstanding relationship, with Nagpure proposing the renewal of their sister-city agreement to strengthen cooperation in the years ahead.
Another proposal involves setting up a joint skill development and language centre in Pune. The proposed centre would train young people in the Japanese language, work culture and technical skills.
The initiative is expected to help Japanese companies access skilled manpower while creating employment opportunities for local youth.
Proposal for Pune Cultural Landmark in Okayama
Nagpure also proposed establishing a cultural landmark or space in Okayama representing Pune’s culture and the rich architectural heritage of the Maratha era.
She cited the P. L. Deshpande Garden in Pune, which showcases elements of Japanese garden design and culture, as an example of cultural exchange between the two cities.
The proposal aims to create a corresponding space in Okayama that reflects Pune’s cultural identity and heritage.
According to the information shared after the meeting, the Okayama administration and the Governor responded positively to the economic and cultural proposals. The discussions are expected to provide fresh momentum to cooperation between the two cities.
Officials Present at the Meeting
The meeting was attended by Standing Committee Chairman Shrinath Bhimale, Additional Municipal Commissioner Prajit Nair, City Engineer Aniruddha Pawaskar, PMPML Chairman Ajay Khedkar and Sameer Khale of the Association of Friends of Japan.
