In a stately declaration on 16th February, the Japanese government unveiled the grand plan of signing free trade agreements with India that is expected to cut off 94% of trade tariffs over the course of 10 years. But most importantly for us, the plan also incorporates the lofty proposition of building 24 green cities, all in India.
The agreement shouldn’t come as much of a surprise, in view of the current economic and socio-political situation prevailing in the South-East Asia region. Japan is the 3rd largest economy in the world and no so far behind India – is the 4th largest, both in terms of purchasing power parity. Moreover, India startling economic growth in the recent years along with its huge market potential makes it more than a deserving candidate. And again politically both these nations would try to tacitly deter the influence of the other Asian giant – China.
But what is rather astounding, is the ambitious scale of this agreement. All the 24 green cities are to be build along the Delhi-Mumbai industrial corridor, spread across 7 states. These advanced urban settlements would integrate the very latest in green energy supplies, an advanced 24 hour water supply system – incorporating water and waste recycling plants, and public recreational zones like walking paths. Moreover, illustrious companies like Hitachi, Mitsubishi, and Toshiba are all expected to take a part in this grandiose project, in effect creating more green jobs. Well for now we just have to wait and see how this ‘brainchild’ takes the optimum advantage of India’s potential and Japan’s expertise.
Image Source: Courtesy of Flickr user Ivan Walsh.
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