Chandigarh: Haryana plans to introduce Japanese language and industry-specific technical courses in its educational institutions after Japan’s Fukuoka prefecture sought the state’s cooperation to train and supply around 50,000 skilled workers over the next five years, opening up significant overseas employment opportunities for the state’s youth.The proposal was discussed at the ‘Haryana-Fukuoka Connect 2026’ meeting at Haryana Niwas on Monday, attended by representatives of the Fukuoka prefectural govt, industry and academic institutions.Haryana commissioner and secretary (foreign cooperation) Amneet P Kumar said nearly 80% of companies in Fukuoka, particularly in the semiconductor, automobile, IT and manufacturing sectors, were facing an acute shortage of skilled workers. Both sides agreed to expand employment, internship and training opportunities for Haryana’s students and technical professionals to meet the Japanese industry’s demand.Commissioner and secretary (industries and commerce) Amit Kumar Agrawal said the state had constituted the Haryana Sakura Working Group and set up a dedicated help desk to facilitate Japanese companies investing in Haryana. He said the proposed language and technical training would equip youth for overseas employment while strengthening ties with Japanese industry.Chief minister’s adviser, Pawan Kumar Choudhary, proposed setting up a campus of the Fukuoka Institute of Technology in Gurgaon to deepen academic collaboration and support Japanese professionals living in the NCR.Officials said both sides agreed to prepare a time-bound roadmap to expand cooperation in technical education, research, faculty and student exchanges, industrial collaboration, green jobs, green fuels and cultural exchanges.
