Kitakyushu (Japan), April 20 – In a landmark international collaboration, the Telangana Government signed Letters of Intent (LoIs) with leading Japanese Eco Town companies to jointly promote initiatives in circular economy, sustainable urban development, and environmental restoration. The partnership is a significant step toward establishing an Eco Town in Hyderabad, modeled after Kitakyushu’s world-renowned sustainability and recycling success story.
The Telangana delegation, led by Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri A. Revanth Reddy, along with IT & Industries Minister Shri D. Sridhar Babu, was ceremonially welcomed in Kitakyushu by Mayor Mr. Kazuhisa Takeuchi at the historic Kokura Castle. The welcome included traditional Japanese cultural elements such as Samurai sword warriors and Taiko drum performances, symbolizing a blend of tradition and forward-thinking vision.
Key Highlights from the Bilateral Meeting
- Strategic Agreements: Telangana signed LoIs with top Japanese companies including EX Research Institute, P9 LLC, Nippon Steel Engineering, New Chemical Trading, and Amita Holdings for collaboration in municipal waste management, recycling, and environmental restoration.
- Establishment of Eco Town in Hyderabad: The project aims to replicate Kitakyushu’s sustainable development model, known for transforming from one of the world’s most polluted industrial cities to a global benchmark in green innovation.
- Green Infrastructure Focus: CM Revanth Reddy extended an invitation to Japanese firms to explore investment in key infrastructure projects such as Hyderabad Metro Rail expansion, Future City, Regional Ring Road, Radial Roads, and the Musi River Rejuvenation Project.
“Today, when we shake hands, we build a bridge to connect and benefit both cities, both societies. We share a vision—clean, circular, green and sustainable,” said CM Revanth Reddy.
Vision for Deeper India-Japan Partnership
Discussions also touched upon proposals for:
- Sister City Agreement between Kitakyushu and Hyderabad, to foster long-term institutional and cultural collaboration.
- Direct Flights between the two cities to facilitate ease of travel and commercial engagement. Mayor Takeuchi requested this, and the CM assured to raise the matter with the Central Government.
- Japanese Language School in Hyderabad, proposed by CM Revanth Reddy to bridge the communication gap and build a skilled workforce for future opportunities in Japan.
- Youth Exchange and Skilled Workforce Development, with Mayor Takeuchi expressing interest in Telangana’s youthful demographic and technical talent pool.
Study Tour and Best Practice Exchange
The Telangana delegation was taken on an extensive study tour that included:
- Visit to the River Restoration Museum, showcasing the dramatic revival of the Murasaki River.
- Riverfront walk, illustrating the city’s transformation through urban planning and sustainable water management.
- Tour of industrial recycling facilities, giving hands-on exposure to advanced Japanese technologies in waste processing and resource recovery.
Industries Minister Sridhar Babu highlighted Telangana’s robust industrial policies and its commitment to green innovation, calling on Japanese businesses to leverage Telangana’s investor-friendly ecosystem.
“With skilled human capital, forward-thinking policies, and a government committed to sustainability, Telangana is a natural partner for global innovation in the green economy,” Sridhar Babu said.
Future Roadmap
Both sides agreed to form a joint mechanism to ensure time-bound implementation, regular review meetings, and consistent stakeholder interaction to ensure the success of the Eco Town project and related initiatives.
Kitakyushu, located on Japan’s Kyushu Island, is globally recognized for pioneering sustainability reforms. From the rejuvenation of the Murasaki River to its waste-to-energy plants, the city stands as a beacon of successful urban and environmental transformation.
This partnership marks a critical milestone for Telangana’s green mission, aligning with its Net Zero goals and showcasing its rising role on the global stage in climate responsibility and innovation.