📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Subhrajyoti07
Business
West Bengal, Japan to boost trade, launch direct flights and cultural exchanges
✍️ The Economic Times
🗓 12 Sep 2026, 04:36 AM
👁 35
The governments of West Bengal and Japan have agreed to explore deeper trade ties, initiate direct air links and promote cultural cooperation, officials said.
Kolkata hosted a high‑level delegation from Japan as officials from West Bengal and Tokyo discussed expanding bilateral cooperation. Both sides said the talks focused on creating new avenues for trade, establishing direct flight routes and fostering cultural exchange programmes.
The two governments pledged to identify sectors where mutual interest exists and to facilitate business delegations, joint ventures and investment flows. While no specific figures were disclosed, the emphasis was on building a sustainable commercial framework that benefits enterprises in both regions.
Air connectivity was highlighted as a priority, with both parties exploring the feasibility of direct flights between major airports in West Bengal and Japanese cities. Such links are expected to cut travel time, boost tourism and ease movement of goods.
Cultural ties will also be strengthened through collaborative events, artist residencies and educational exchanges. Officials said these initiatives aim to deepen people‑to‑people contact and showcase each region’s heritage.
The agreements are slated for formal signing later this year, after detailed feasibility studies and stakeholder consultations are completed.
The two governments pledged to identify sectors where mutual interest exists and to facilitate business delegations, joint ventures and investment flows. While no specific figures were disclosed, the emphasis was on building a sustainable commercial framework that benefits enterprises in both regions.
Air connectivity was highlighted as a priority, with both parties exploring the feasibility of direct flights between major airports in West Bengal and Japanese cities. Such links are expected to cut travel time, boost tourism and ease movement of goods.
Cultural ties will also be strengthened through collaborative events, artist residencies and educational exchanges. Officials said these initiatives aim to deepen people‑to‑people contact and showcase each region’s heritage.
The agreements are slated for formal signing later this year, after detailed feasibility studies and stakeholder consultations are completed.