MNF chief
File image of Mizoram chief minister Zoramthanga.

Japan ambassador to India Kenji Hiramatsu on Thursday said that the country is eager to extend help to Mizoram in every possible way.

Hiramatsu had a discussion with Mizoram chief minister Zoramthanga where they discussed about the possibility of more cooperation between Japan and Mizoram, according to reports.

He said that Japan is working on improving the 380-km national highway between Aizawl and Tuipang (Tipa) in Siaha district of south Mizoram.

He also added that the Japanese government will also construct a bypass to the national highway.

The Japanese ambassador and the Mizoram chief minister also discussed the ways of utilization of bamboo as ‘The Green Gold’ is found in abundance in Mizoram.

Hiramatsu had asked Zoramthanga about the plan of opening up a centre for teaching the Japanese language to the people of Mizoram.

He also assured the Mizoram chief minister that Japan would provide technical help in tackling natural disasters in the state.

Experts from Japan may be sent to Mizoram to study the terrain and land structure and explore the possibility of utilising Japanese technology in the state.

During the discussion, the two leaders also discussed about ways of developing tourism in Mizoram.

They also discussed about the ongoing projects under the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in Mizoram.

In 2016, the JICA had extended a Rs 4,000-crore loan to India to improve two national highways in Mizoram and Meghalaya – the NH-54 between Aizawl and Tuipang in Mizoram, and the 40-km NH-51 between Tura and Dalu in Meghalaya.