It was a confluence of Tamil and Japanese culture as the Kancheepuram Nippon Chamber of Commerce and Industry was inaugurated on 1st March 2014 by Union Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Sudarshan Natchiappan.
The inauguration of KNCCI assumes significance as Japanese companies have major stake in the area.
Chairman of KNCCI and Member of Parliament P.Vishwanathan said that Tamil Nadu attracts 70 per cent of total Japanese investment in Tamil Nadu.
“Of these investments in Tamil Nadu, Kancheepuram has a lion’s share of 90 per cent,” Vishwanathan said. Vishwanathan, who was the brain behind starting the chamber, said KNCCI would not only work towards enhancing India-Japan trade ties Kancheepuram but also wooing investment in Chennai.
Talking about various projects that are coming up in his constituency, the MP said a major power plant project is coming up in Cheyyur besides plans are also to have a port near Kancheepuram as the Japanese firms are pushing for it.
Sudarshan Natchiappan stressed the need for the new chamber signing in an agreement with Japanese organization, “The Overseas Human Resources and Industry Development Association” (HIDA) to provide technical and management training to Indian students so that they can be recruited directly by the Japanese firms. “This could result in creating employment for Indian youth,” he added.
He also urged the chamber to collect in and around Kancheepuram on land available for industries. He said KNCCI should also work towards collaboration between Indian and Japanese firms.
Hoping to have more Japanese investments in Kancheepuram, the minister said currently, Japanese investment is there in 3,000 to 5,000 acres of land.
President of KNCCI, GRK Reddy highlighted about the importance of Chennai-Bangalore industrial corridor besides stressing on the popularity of Tamil films in Japan.
Interestingly, the highlight of the evening was Bharatnatyam by Japanese dancers. The dancers hardly had any inkling about Tamil but they had grace and poise of Indian dancers. Yukiko and Miwa wooed the audience with their spell binding dance. Artistes of Nrithya Lakshara Japan, the duo expressed their love for Indian classical dance.
Also present during the occasion were celebrities of the film industry Gangai Amaran, actress Meena, ace Director P.Vasu, Writers S.Ramakrishnan and Palani Bharathi, Vice Presidents of KNCCI Ramesh Krish & SLNS Vijayakumar, Joint Secretary General of KNCCI G.Narinarayan, President of Japan Chapter Kiyohito Okida and few others.
